Throwing fireworks and clashes with police. Mass protests against the Olympic Games took place in Milan. Photo

The demonstrations were organized by the activist group Unsustainable Olympics Committee. The protesters spoke out against the environmental, economic and social consequences of the Winter Olympic Games – in particular, they criticized the construction of new sports facilities and infrastructure, which destroys nature and pollutes the environment, government expenses for organizing games that are not always profitable, as well as the relocation of local residents and changes in urban infrastructure.

At the beginning of the march, which started from Piazza Medaglie d'Oro, participants walked arm in arm, sang and danced, holding placards. The protest passed by the Olympic village, which was guarded by police. Several activists threw fireworks and smoke bombs towards the athletes’ residential buildings, but did not hit them.

Later, conflicts arose between protesters and law enforcement officers: at Piazzale Corvetto, a small group of demonstrators threw fireworks and later attacked police paddy wagons. Law enforcement officers used tear gas and water cannons. Not all protesters took part in the clashes.

Separately, in Bologna, authorities recorded serious disruptions on railway lines, which they view as possible sabotage. Experts found three cases of damage: an improvised explosive device on a switch on the Bologna-Padua line, cut electrical cables on a high-speed line and a fire in an electrical panel in Pesaro. Transport Minister Matteo Salvini called the actions “acts of criminality” and said an investigation was ongoing, not ruling out the involvement of anarchists.