Disruption of a Peaceful Demonstration
The protest began as a large-scale, peaceful gathering. While organizers estimated attendance at 50,000, more conservative estimates suggest around 20,000 people participated. The crowd included students, local committees, trade unions such as Cobas and USB, and supporters of the No TAV movement.
The march proceeded calmly along the Po river for much of the day. However, the atmosphere shifted around 6:00 PM as the procession neared the former site of the social center on Corso Regina Margherita. A specific group of individuals, faces covered, began launching firecrackers, smoke bombs, and paper bombs at police lines. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons.
Escalation and Damages
The ensuing clashes lasted approximately 90 minutes, resulting in significant disorder. Several dumpsters and a police armored vehicle were set on fire during the confrontation. Authorities estimate the violent contingent consisted of about 1,500 people, including individuals from France and Northern Europe, as well as those affiliated with anarchist and “antagonist” groups. Minister of Defense Guido Crosetto later described this group as being “militarily organized” into two distinct blocks.
The march proceeded calmly along the Po river for much of the day. However, the atmosphere shifted around 6:00 PM as the procession neared the former site of the social center on Corso Regina Margherita. A specific group of individuals, faces covered, began launching firecrackers, smoke bombs, and paper bombs at police lines. In response, law enforcement deployed tear gas and water cannons.
Casualties and Allegations of Abuse
Violence was reported on both sides. A widely circulated video captured the assault of a 29-year-old police officer who became isolated from his unit after chasing protesters. He was beaten by approximately ten individuals using kicks, punches, and a hammer before being rescued by a colleague. The officer suffered contusions and was treated at Le Molinette hospital before being discharged on Sunday.
Conversely, allegations of police misconduct have also emerged. Participants reported that officers used tear gas on non-violent crowds and struck peaceful demonstrators. Federico Guarino, a photographer, stated he was surrounded and beaten by four or five officers despite identifying himself as a member of the press.
Arrests and Ongoing Investigation
Following an analysis of video footage, police arrested three men aged 22, 31, and 35. Investigators noted that the suspects did not know each other and did not belong to a single organized group.
Charges: All three are accused of devastation.
Assault Charges: One suspect faces additional charges of aggravated assault and robbery for allegedly participating in the attack on the isolated police officer.
Identification: The 22-year-old suspect was identified because he was the only one in the group with an uncovered face, wearing a red jacket rather than the black clothing worn by others.
Currently, approximately thirty people are under investigation, and authorities expect this number to rise.
Background and Political Reaction
The protest was sparked by the abrupt eviction of Askatasuna in December, which followed a series of disorders and vandalism in late November. This eviction halted a regularization process that the municipal administration had initiated with the center in 2024. The sudden violation of these commitments prompted the center to mobilize supporters from across Italy.
On Sunday morning, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Piedmont Regional President Alberto Cirio visited the injured officer in the hospital.
