Serious violence broke out in Turin on Saturday night during a protest against the eviction of a social centre, resulting in injuries to police officers and demonstrators. Italian authorities have condemned the attacks, after footage showed an officer being assaulted while on the ground.
Clashes during protest in Turin
Violent incidents were recorded on Saturday evening in Turin, where demonstrators with their faces covered clashed with police forces during a march organised by groups opposing the eviction of the Askatasona social centre.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to the events in a post on X, highlighting a video broadcast by Italian media showing a police officer lying on the ground and being attacked by violent demonstrators.
Video footage and injuries
According to reporting by La Repubblica, the video, which has circulated widely online, shows the officer being surrounded and struck with kicks and a hammer.
I compagni di quelli che ieri hanno bloccato presentazione #Remigrazione stanno mettendo a ferro e fuoco Torino insieme ai Maranza. Non basta sgomberarli, i teppisti di sinistra devono essere messi fuorilegge e i loro protettori nel Palazzo arrestati #Askatasuna pic.twitter.com/AHaFwUthBX
— CriminImmigr*ti (@CriminImmigratl) January 31, 2026
Based on the latest information, the injured officer was transferred immediately to hospital, received the necessary medical treatment and his condition is not considered a cause for concern.
Prime minister’s statement on the violence
Ms Meloni described the incidents as serious and unacceptable, stating that a lawful eviction of a property under illegal occupation was used as a pretext for violence.
She referred to the use of improvised explosive devices, arson attacks and organised assaults, including an attack on a police vehicle. She added that the images of the assaulted officer speak for themselves, saying that those responsible cannot be described as demonstrators but as individuals acting as enemies of the state.
Response from the presidency
Italian President Sergio Mattarella contacted Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, asking him to convey his solidarity to the injured officer and to all members of the police forces who were hurt during the incidents.
Arrests and further injuries reported
Italian media report that around 30 people were injured during the clashes and that ten violent demonstrators were detained.
Source: protothema.gr