What began as a colorful and peaceful march against the Olympics in Milan took a sharp turn late Saturday, descending into clashes between a small group of protesters and police. The unrest unfolded as Italy simultaneously grappled with alarming incidents on northern rail lines, heightening security concerns nationwide. Together, the events have put fresh attention on Anti-Olympics protest in Milan escalates into violence as Italy probes alleged railway sabotage.
From Peaceful Demonstration to Street Clashes
Throughout the afternoon, thousands of anti-Olympic demonstrators moved calmly through Milan’s streets. Protesters linked arms, carried banners, and sang as they marched, voicing opposition to the upcoming Winter Olympics and what they see as its environmental, economic, and social costs.
As night fell, however, tensions escalated. A group of demonstrators began targeting police officers and patrol vans with fireworks and smoke devices. Police responded by deploying water cannons and tear gas in an effort to disperse the crowd and restore order. While many participants stayed clear of the violence, the confrontations marked a dramatic shift from the protest’s earlier tone.
Strong Reaction From Italy’s Leadership
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the violence in a forceful social media post on Sunday, labeling the perpetrators “enemies of Italy and Italians.” Expressing solidarity with law enforcement and the city of Milan, she said the actions of violent groups risk undermining the work of ordinary citizens and damaging the country’s international image.
Her remarks came as images of the unrest circulated widely in international media, casting a shadow over Italy’s Olympic celebrations.
Who Organized the Protest — and Why
The march was organized by the Unsustainable Olympics Committee, an activist group that brought together a broad coalition. Participants included local sports associations, environmental and civic movements, students, housing advocates, militant labor unions, pro-Palestinian groups, and transfeminist collectives from Milan, Lombardy, and across northern Italy.
Beyond opposition to Olympic construction projects, demonstrators criticized what they describe as the government’s increasingly heavy-handed security policies and its treatment of racial minorities. Organizers argue that the Games will leave behind environmental damage and deepen social inequality rather than deliver lasting benefits.
How the Unrest Unfolded
Protesters set off from Piazza Medaglie d’Oro and marched past the Olympic Village, which was heavily guarded by police. Some demonstrators hurled firecrackers and smoke bombs in the direction of the secured athletes’ housing, though the objects fell well short of the buildings.
The march later turned onto Via Benaco, moving away from the Olympic complex. Violence broke out at Piazzale Corvetto, where a smaller faction clashed with police. Fireworks were thrown at officers and later at police vehicles, prompting a forceful response that included tear gas and water cannons. Despite the chaos, many protesters remained in the square and did not participate in the clashes.
Rail Disruptions Raise Sabotage Fears
As Milan dealt with unrest on the streets, northern Italy faced serious transportation disruptions. In Bologna, rail traffic was severely affected after authorities discovered multiple incidents of damage across the network.
According to Italy’s rail operator and local media, investigators found a crude explosive device placed on a rail switch along the Bologna–Padua line. In addition, electrical cables on a high-speed rail route were cut, and a fire damaged an electrical cabin in the Adriatic town of Pesaro.
Transport officials have not ruled out coordinated sabotage, pointing to similarities with attacks on France’s rail network during the 2024 Paris Olympics. Infrastructure and Transport Minister Matteo Salvini condemned the incidents as acts of criminal delinquency, warning that if confirmed as deliberate attacks, they represent an attempt to harm Italy on a day of global visibility.
A Celebration Overshadowed
The unrest and rail disruptions came just days after the Winter Olympics 2026 officially opened with a lavish ceremony at Milan’s San Siro stadium. The event celebrated Italian art and culture and featured performances by tenor Andrea Bocelli and pop icon Mariah Carey.
Yet the violence in Milan and the alleged railway sabotage have underscored the deep divisions surrounding the Games. As Italy moves forward with Olympic events, authorities now face the dual challenge of ensuring security while addressing the broader social and environmental concerns driving the protests.
