Tensions flare at No Tav march, stones and firecrackers thrown at police

Clashes erupted during a No Tav protest in Italy's Susa Valley on Saturday, as a segment of activists directed stones and firecrackers toward police forces guarding the San Didero construction site. The confrontation lasted about twenty minutes, with police responding with tear gas to disperse the more confrontational elements of the movement.

Simultaneously, a larger group of masked individuals attempted to reach the Chiomonte construction site. The march, which organizers dubbed 'a march towards the construction sites of devastation,' began in the early afternoon from Venaus. Organizers estimated the turnout at 20,000 participants, while the presence in the area was described as several thousand people.

The protest is being held in conjunction with the tenth edition of the 'Alta Felicità' festival, which includes musical and cultural events scheduled to continue through Sunday. A banner at the front of the procession read, 'We were there, we are here, we will be there. Now and forever No Tav.'

Earlier, authorities had seized slingshots, rockets, marbles, firecrackers, and fireworks from individuals at the Bardonecchia train station. The prefect of Turin had imposed security restrictions and prohibitions ahead of the demonstration, and the police chief issued fourteen orders banning individuals from Venaus.