PHOTO/VIDEO Violent protest by left-wing activists in Turin. Dozens of police officers were injured

At least 31 police officers were injured during protests against the closure of a left-wing cultural center in the city of Turin, in northern Italy, the authorities said on Sunday, reports DPA, taken over by Agerpres.

Ten people were arrested during clashes between police and demonstrators on Saturday. Initially, there was no information about the number of injured protesters.

The protests were directed against the evacuation of the Askatasuna cultural center, which has been a meeting place of Turin's left for decades. The facility was closed shortly before Christmas.

Organizers said around 50,000 people took part in a demonstration in the city center on Saturday. Within it, numerous Palestinian flags were also displayed.

Eventually, riots broke out. Stones, Molotov cocktails and other objects were thrown at the police from the crowd, and garbage cans were set on fire. A police vehicle was also set on fire.

Security forces responded with tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. A demonstrator with head injuries was rushed to the hospital.

A video shows a policeman lying on the ground as he is punched and beaten by masked individuals.

🚨 the video della shame🚫#Turin oggi: yet another urban guerilla of hooded soldiers.
Poliziotto massacrato in 10 contro 1, hammered in the head, armored dato alle fiamme, journalists attacked, città devastated tra Molotov, bombe carta e cassonetti set on fire.
It's not… pic.twitter.com/QVl0lDkPOp

— Marco⛩️友だち (@friend73m) January 31, 2026

Italy's right-wing government condemned the riots as “an attack on the state”.