Anarchist Riots in Turin Leave Over 100 Police Injured Amid Eviction Protests
TURIN, Italy — Violent confrontations between police and protesters erupted over the weekend in Turin, leaving at least 108 officers injured after anarchist groups and left-wing activists clashed with law enforcement during demonstrations. The unrest followed the eviction of the Askatasuna social center, a building long occupied by far-left activists, sparking outrage and protests that quickly escalated into violent riots.
Footage from the scene shows demonstrators clad in black hurling Molotov cocktails, stones, and fireworks at police lines, forcing officers to retreat amid clouds of red smoke. Riot police responded with force to contain the chaos as anarchists and other leftist groups launched coordinated attacks. The clashes occurred after authorities evicted squatters from the building, which had been a hub for political activism for decades.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni issued a strong condemnation of the violence, vowing a firm response to restore order. “The acts of violence we witnessed are unacceptable and will not be tolerated,” Meloni said in a statement, emphasizing the government’s commitment to uphold public safety and the rule of law.
The unrest in Turin has drawn comparisons to similar anarchist-led protests seen in other parts of Europe and the United States. Analysts noted that the tactics and intensity of the clashes resemble episodes in cities like Seattle and Portland, where confrontations between police and radical groups have periodically erupted. The U.S. Department of Justice has documented such incidents, highlighting the challenges law enforcement faces in managing violent protests.
Authorities in Turin have launched investigations into the events, seeking to identify those responsible for the attacks on police officers. The Italian Ministry of the Interior has pledged to increase security measures and prevent further escalations. The Ministry of the Interior oversees policing and public order in Italy and is coordinating with local law enforcement to address the situation.
Human rights organizations have expressed concern about the potential for excessive force during riot control operations, urging authorities to balance security with respect for civil liberties. The Council of Europe’s Human Rights Commissioner has previously called for restraint and dialogue in similar protests across the continent.
The Askatasuna social center eviction was the catalyst for the weekend’s turmoil. The building had served as a cultural and political space for decades, and its closure has ignited tensions between authorities and left-wing activists. The incident underscores ongoing challenges in managing urban spaces occupied by political groups and the broader debate over property rights and public order.
As investigations continue, the Italian government faces pressure to address not only the immediate violence but also the underlying social and political grievances driving such protests. The events in Turin highlight the delicate balance between maintaining security and respecting the rights of citizens to assemble and express dissent.
For further information on law enforcement protocols and public safety measures, see the FBI’s guidelines on riot control and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s riot safety standards.
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