Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has strongly denounced anti-Olympics protesters in Milan, labeling them as "enemies of Italy and Italians". The harsh words came after violent clashes between protesters and police at the fringes of rallies in the city, as well as alleged sabotage of train infrastructure.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also chimed in on Sunday, condemning the violence linked to protests in Milan on Saturday. According to the committee, such behavior has no place at the Games. The statement was made by IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, who emphasized that peaceful protest is legitimate but drew a line at violence, which he deemed unacceptable.
Violent clashes broke out when thousands of protesters took to the streets in Milan to demonstrate against the Olympics' environmental and social consequences, including concerns over excessive public spending and ecological damage. The march began peacefully but turned tense as some protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers near Olympic venues, prompting a response from police with tear gas and water cannons.
The Italian Transport Ministry has launched an investigation into suspected "terrorism" after the alleged sabotage of train infrastructure near the city of Bologna on Saturday. Those responsible are expected to face a significant damages claim.
Anti-Olympics protests have also been targeting Israel's participation in the games, as well as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has deployed agents to provide security for the US delegation at the Games. The protesters' chants against these groups were met with hostility by the crowds during Friday's opening ceremony, where Israeli athletes marched into the stadium amidst jeers from some spectators.
Italy is hosting the Winter Olympics along with Cortina d'Ampezzo, and thousands of volunteers have been working to keep the events running smoothly despite various disruptions.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) also chimed in on Sunday, condemning the violence linked to protests in Milan on Saturday. According to the committee, such behavior has no place at the Games. The statement was made by IOC spokesperson Mark Adams, who emphasized that peaceful protest is legitimate but drew a line at violence, which he deemed unacceptable.
Violent clashes broke out when thousands of protesters took to the streets in Milan to demonstrate against the Olympics' environmental and social consequences, including concerns over excessive public spending and ecological damage. The march began peacefully but turned tense as some protesters set off smoke bombs and firecrackers near Olympic venues, prompting a response from police with tear gas and water cannons.
The Italian Transport Ministry has launched an investigation into suspected "terrorism" after the alleged sabotage of train infrastructure near the city of Bologna on Saturday. Those responsible are expected to face a significant damages claim.
Anti-Olympics protests have also been targeting Israel's participation in the games, as well as US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), which has deployed agents to provide security for the US delegation at the Games. The protesters' chants against these groups were met with hostility by the crowds during Friday's opening ceremony, where Israeli athletes marched into the stadium amidst jeers from some spectators.
Italy is hosting the Winter Olympics along with Cortina d'Ampezzo, and thousands of volunteers have been working to keep the events running smoothly despite various disruptions.
I gotta say, this anti-Olympics protest thing is getting outta hand 
. The stats are crazy - 70% of protesters in Milan were under 30 yrs old 
, and only 10% had a uni education 
. But like, what's the real issue here? 
The IOC says peaceful protest is legit, but we all know that's just code for "don't get violent" 
.
, and social media engagement on this topic has reached record highs 
. But let's not forget the human cost - 17 arrests were made in Milan alone 
, and we can't even get a clear estimate of damages from train sabotage yet 
.
. Are we just mad about public spending or ecological damage? Is it really about anti-Israeli/ICE sentiment or is that just a smokescreen 
? We need more info, not just hot takes 
.
that just escalates things. Peaceful protest is a fundamental right, but violence isn't. The IOC is right to condemn that kind of behavior - these are people exercising their freedom of speech and the government should support that, not try to shut it down or shame them.
it's good that people are speaking out. But we need to find a way to do that without resorting to violence. I'm just worried about how this kind of rhetoric is going to affect the atmosphere at the Games.
the protesters are so angry about the olympics but violence never solves anything - like remember that time when edgar allan poe died from poisoning or something? 
and now they're saying it's terrorism? that's just crazy talk 
anyway, i feel bad for the italian people who have to deal with this stuff every day... can't we just get along? 
! These anti-Olympics protesters are like, super passionate but also totally outta control 
. And now there's even talk of terrorism? That's a whole other level of crazy 
.
. The IOC is right though, peaceful protest is legit but violence is not 
. Can't we all just get along and find ways to express our opinions without resorting to smoke bombs and tear gas? 
. We should be talking about finding ways to address the issues at hand rather than demonizing the protesters. It's like, what's the point of criticizing the Olympics if we're not gonna have a constructive conversation? 
.
Just heard that Italy is recalling all its athletes and officials from the Olympics due to safety concerns after the violent clashes in Milan 
. The IOC's statement about peaceful protest being legitimate but violence not being allowed just fell on deaf ears, it seems 
. Meanwhile, the protesters' chants against Israel and ICE are getting more and more aggressive...not a good sign at all 
. Italy's security situation is spiraling out of control 
. And the IOC's stance on peaceful protest vs violence is pretty black and white, but what about the underlying issues that are driving people to take a stand? Are we just going to ignore the fact that there are real problems with environmental and social consequences of hosting these events?
. As an athlete is getting ready for the Olympics, this kind of negativity just isn't needed 
. Meanwhile, have you guys heard about the new smart glasses that just dropped? They're literally changing the game with augmented reality capabilities 
! But anyway, back to Milan... I hope the situation gets resolved soon and the Olympics can shine through as a celebration of sportsmanship and unity 
.