The Italian security forces have arrested more than 200 young people, of which around 80% are minors, in a second consecutive night of serious disturbances, vandalism, and looting in the center of Milan, following the mobilizations called in this city and in other cities of the country, such as Turin or Bologna, in protest against the rising cost of living in Italy.
The disturbances have developed through the swift movement of small groups of hooded young people, who moved mainly between San Babila square, the central Torino street, the Duomo square, and Corso Vittorio Emanuele, as detailed by the Italian news agency Adnkronos.
During these episodes, the participants in the disturbances have looted a supermarket and several shops. In addition to these thefts, the protesters have caused significant damage both to urban furniture and to private properties, destroying bus shelters, outdoor terrace tables, and causing damage to parked vehicles and cars caught in traffic jams.
Similarly, according to the aforementioned agency, they have smashed the windows of various establishments with stones, including the department store La Rinascente, located in the Duomo square, as well as a fast-food outlet in the iconic gallery.
The escalation of violence has led to direct clashes with police and Carabinieri agents, against whom the groups of young people have continuously thrown stones, chairs, and firecrackers. The law enforcement forces have responded by using tear gas and water cannons in order to contain and disperse the rioters in the vicinity of the Royal Palace.
The tension generated by the disturbances has reached the exterior esplanade of the Duomo cathedral, which has forced the temporary closure of the main doors of the facade. Due to the use of tear gas and the running outside, the religious authorities have had to organize a safe evacuation of worshippers and tourists attending the evening services, guiding them towards the side entrances near the Archdiocese to avoid more serious incidents.
The Italian Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, condemned on Sunday the first "violent" attacks because "demonstrating is a right" but "setting our cities on fire is not."
"Once again, the women and men of the law enforcement have had to face the violence of criminals who, even through organized groups, take advantage of the demonstrations to seek confrontation and sow chaos," he pointed out in a message published on social media.