Violent confrontations unfolded in Milan, Italy, as anti-Olympics demonstrations against the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Games descended into disorder one day after the opening ceremonies.
From Peaceful March to Chaos
The gathering started as a calm procession near the Olympic Village but quickly intensified. Activists fired fireworks, smoke bombs, and flares at security forces, sparking widespread turmoil.
Police Response and Arrests
Authorities deployed water cannons and baton charges to restore order, resulting in the detention of several participants. The clashes highlight rising tensions surrounding the event.
Protesters’ Key Concerns
Demonstrators view the Olympics as a catalyst for environmental damage, skyrocketing housing costs driven by speculation, and the redirection of taxpayer money toward elite interests. Critics further allege that officials are intensifying efforts to silence opposition under the global spotlight of the Games.
