Italian PM Giorgia Meloni condemns protesters and rail saboteurs as ‘enemies of Italy’ following violent clashes in Milan during the Winter Games.
MILAN: Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni (pic) has condemned anti-Olympics protesters as “enemies of Italy” following violent clashes and sabotage attacks on the national rail network.
The incidents occurred during the first full day of competition for the Winter Games, co-hosted by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo.
Meloni praised the thousands of Italians working to ensure the Games run smoothly and present a positive national image.
“Then there are those who are enemies of Italy and Italians, demonstrating ‘against the Olympics’ and ensuring that these images are broadcast on television screens around the world,” she wrote on Instagram.
Her statement also referenced saboteurs who cut railway cables to disrupt train services.
A group of around 100 protesters broke away from a larger demonstration in Milan, throwing firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles at police.
An estimated 10,000 people had marched in the city protesting housing costs and environmental concerns linked to the Olympics.
Police deployed water cannon to restore order and detained six individuals.
Separately on Saturday, authorities reported saboteurs damaged rail infrastructure near Bologna, causing significant travel disruptions.
Police investigated three separate incidents at different locations, which caused delays of up to two and a half hours for various train services.
No group has claimed responsibility for the sabotage.
“Once again, solidarity with the police, the city of Milan, and all those who will see their work undermined by these gangs of criminals,” Meloni added.
The Italian police have recently been granted new arrest powers following major violence at a hard-left protest in Turin last weekend.
Over 100 police officers were injured during those clashes in Turin.