60 Police Officers Injured in Protest Against High-Speed Rail in Northern Italy

Clashes erupted in Italy's Susa Valley on Saturday, leaving at least 60 police officers injured and an undetermined number of demonstrators hurt during a protest against the high-speed rail line project linking Turin and Lyon. The violence marred a demonstration organized by the 'No TAV' movement, which has long opposed the railway's construction.

According to Italian media reports, a segment of the protesters broke away from the main demonstration and began throwing fireworks and stones at law enforcement. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons. The 'No TAV' movement claimed around 20,000 people participated in the protest.

During the altercations, two police vans and two vehicles belonging to the financial police were set ablaze. Access to the A32 Turin-Bardonecchia highway was closed between the Oulx and Susa Est exits. The Italian police union COISP confirmed the number of injured officers, while estimates for injured protesters varied, with some reports suggesting around fifty.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni strongly condemned the incidents, denouncing them as an 'attack on the state.' She stated that those who throw fireworks, set fire to state vehicles, and attack law enforcement officers are not defending an ideal.

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Those who throw fireworks, burn state vehicles and attack law enforcement officers are not defending an ideal.