WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW
  • Hundreds of protesters carrying Palestinian flags stormed the Roman Colosseum and clashed with police.
  • Thousands marched across Italian cities over living costs and the ongoing war in Gaza.
  • Police deployed tear gas and water cannons during another violent confrontation near Piazza della Repubblica.
  • Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent about 500 soldiers to assist 5,000 officers deployed in Milan.
  • Large demonstrations were also reported in the capitals of Spain, Portugal and Albania.

Hundreds of protesters stormed the gates of the Roman Colosseum and clashed with police as demonstrations that began in France spread into Italy over the weekend. The confrontation brought the growing unrest directly into one of Rome’s most historic landmarks.

Many of those involved were young and carried Palestinian flags as they entered the ancient arena. Protesters could be seen cheering and yelling inside the Colosseum while security forces moved to push them back out.

The arena, which is 2,000 years old, became the setting for a tense struggle between the crowd and authorities attempting to secure the site. Police ultimately worked to clear protesters from the historic structure after they breached the gates.

The disturbance at the Colosseum unfolded during a much broader day of demonstrations across Italy. Thousands of people marched Saturday through the streets of Rome, Milan, Turin and other cities as the unrest spread through several urban centers.

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The protesters were demonstrating over the current cost of living crisis and the ongoing war in Gaza. Those issues drew large crowds into Italian streets as scenes resembling the recent upheaval in France emerged in multiple cities.

Security at the Colosseum had already been increased before the planned protest. Officials had taken that step following months of clashes involving tourists running wild inside the historic site, adding another layer of concern before demonstrators arrived.

The arena was declared a security “red zone” last month, reflecting the precautions already surrounding the landmark. Even with that designation and the additional security presence, hundreds of protesters managed to force their way through the gates.

The Colosseum was not the only location in Rome where police encountered violence. Officials reported another confrontation involving protesters near the Piazza della Repubblica as demonstrations moved through the Italian capital.

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Police deployed tear gas and water cannons during the confrontation near the piazza. The use of those measures added to the tense scenes unfolding around Rome while authorities attempted to contain crowds and restore control.

Milan also saw disruptive protest tactics during the nationwide demonstrations. Protesters dumped manure outside the country’s energy regulator and burned an oversized electricity bill in an unmistakable display aimed at the country’s economic troubles.

Many stores in Milan boarded their windows amid concern about the previous week’s looting in France. During that unrest, protesters were caught leaving stores with luxury goods, prompting Italian businesses to take precautions before crowds gathered.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sent about 500 soldiers to Milan to assist the police operation. Those troops joined 5,000 officers who had been deployed to the area as officials prepared for the demonstrations and possible disorder.

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The soldiers were not equipped with pepper spray or Tasers, according to Defense Minister Guido Crosetto. Instead, they carried only plastic restraint ties intended to help with the arrests of rowdy protesters encountered during the unrest.

The demonstrations in Italy mirrored protests that broke out in France during the previous month. Those protests have since spread across Europe as the continent confronts economic woes and crowds gather in major cities.

Italy was not alone in facing large demonstrations during the widening unrest. Major protests were also reported in the capitals of Spain, Portugal and Albania, showing that the weekend’s street demonstrations extended well beyond Rome, Milan and Turin.

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