29 Italian police officers injured in clashes at Turin protest against closure of social center

By Melike Pala

BRUSSELS (AA) - Violent clashes erupted on Saturday night in the northern Italian city of Turin during a demonstration in support of the Askatasuna social center, leaving at least 29 law enforcement officers injured and triggering strong condemnation from Italy's political leadership, according to local media.

Italian authorities said at least 29 police officers required hospital treatment following the unrest late Saturday, including one officer who was surrounded and beaten with kicks, punches, and hammer blows during clashes, Rai News reported.

One officer sustained multiple bruises and a wound to his left thigh that required stitches, remaining hospitalized but not in life-threatening condition.

The violence broke out at the end of a national march against the December eviction of the Askatasuna social center, which had been occupied for nearly 30 years.

While the demonstration initially proceeded peacefully, groups of masked people reportedly broke away after nightfall and attempted to breach police cordons in the Vanchiglia neighborhood.

Police said protesters hurled bottles, stones, homemade incendiary devices, and smoke bombs, set fire to dumpsters and a police armored vehicle, and used street furniture and uprooted lampposts as weapons.

Security forces responded with tear gas, water cannons, and crowd-control charges during clashes that lasted more than an hour.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned what she described as "violent attacks aimed at the state and those who represent it," adding: "The images of the attacked officer speak for themselves: we are not dealing with protesters, but with individuals acting as enemies of the state."

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the protesters "a danger to democracy," accusing parts of the political left of "covering for" violent groups, and said the events confirmed the need for tougher security measures.

The commander of the carabinieri (gendarmerie), Lt. Gen. Salvatore Luongo, described the assault as "an attack on the state," saying violence against law enforcement amounts to an attack on public order and citizen safety.

The clashes have reignited debate over public security and protest policing in Italy.

Senior figures from the ruling coalition, including Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, accused left-wing groups of legitimizing violent behavior and called for accelerated arrests, evictions of occupied social centers, and the adoption of a new security package.

Piantedosi said the government plans to discuss new regulations next week, including the possible reintroduction of preventive police detention for individuals deemed dangerous during demonstrations.

Police estimates put attendance at around 15,000 people, while organizers claimed up to 50,000 participants. The march drew grassroots unions, activists from social centers across Italy, and public figures.

At least two people were arrested during the clashes, with several others questioned by police. Investigations are ongoing to identify those involved in the attack on the officer and the wider violence.