Violent protests and looting erupted in the northern Italian city of Milan, following large-scale demonstrations in France, with 271 people detained by police, Italy's ANSA news agency reported on the 19th.
The detainees face charges including obstruction of official duties, property destruction and looting, according to foreign media reports. Of those taken into custody, 220 were minors and 60 were foreign nationals. Authorities said 32 of the detainees were formally arrested and 28 were referred to prosecutors.
The unrest began the previous day at a lawful demonstration protesting high living costs and the deterioration of public services. Chaos spread after some participants turned to violence. Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowd, while protesters responded by discharging fire extinguishers and setting off explosives. Clashes intensified in Duomo Square in scenes that resembled urban combat, Euronews reported. Protesters also clashed with police in other cities including Turin and Bologna.
Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said shop windows were smashed, stores were looted and residents were left in fear. "This is a new phenomenon appearing in cities around the world, and it is deeply worrying because it is tied to the international situation," he said.
A group calling itself the October 17 Movement said on social media that it would continue protests every Saturday until what it called the thieving government collapses.
Protests by truck drivers over high fuel prices have also spread, blocking part of the entrance to the Port of Naples that day. There are concerns that a prolonged truckers' protest could disrupt the distribution of fresh produce in major cities.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said taking to the streets is a right but criticized the violence as unjustifiable. Meloni convened a public security meeting that day to respond to the unrest.