Meloni Denounces 'Enemies of Italy' After Milan Olympic Protests
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni called protesters "enemies of Italy" after clashes in Milan and alleged sabotage of rail lines disrupted services.
Overview
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni wrote on Facebook that "enemies of Italy and Italians" had sought to undermine the Milan-Cortina Winter Games after clashes in Milan and alleged damage to rail infrastructure disrupted services, officials said.
Italy's Transport Ministry said it opened a terrorism investigation into synchronized damage to tracks near Bologna and Pesaro that caused delays of up to 2.5 hours, the ministry said.
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams said during the IOC's daily media briefing that peaceful protest is legitimate but that "violence has no place at the Olympic Games."
Police estimated 10,000 people participated in a Milan march opposing the Games' environmental and social impact, and officers said a breakaway group set off smoke bombs and firecrackers and that six people were detained, officials said.
The Transport Ministry said it will seek millions of euros in compensation from those responsible and authorities signaled tightened security under a recently approved decree that allows police to detain suspected agitators for up to 12 hours, a measure opposition lawmakers criticized.
Analysis
Center-leaning sources frame the story around state security and order by leading with official condemnations and reporting an immediate terrorism probe, while still including protesters’ aims and critiques of security measures later. Editorial emphasis and paragraph ordering prioritize public-safety implications; direct quotes and protest details remain presented as source content.
Sources (4)
FAQ
Synchronized damage to railway tracks near Bologna and Pesaro, including burning or cutting infrastructure, caused delays of up to 2.5 hours on lines like Bologna-Venice.
Protesters opposed the environmental and social impacts of the Games, Milan's housing crisis, and the presence of U.S. ICE agents for security.
The Transport Ministry opened a terrorism investigation, plans to seek millions in compensation, and a new decree allows police to detain suspects for up to 12 hours.
IOC spokesperson Mark Adams stated that peaceful protest is legitimate but violence has no place at the Olympic Games.
Police estimated 10,000 participants in a peaceful march, but a breakaway group used smoke bombs and firecrackers, leading to clashes, tear gas, water cannons, and six detentions.
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