Israel Explosive device and injured police officers at protest against Meloni government

More than a dozen police officers have been slightly injured following the explosion of a homemade explosive device during a demonstration against the right-wing government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Turin.

The explosive device emitted pungent fumes and smoke, reported the Ansa news agency. Around 15 officers had to be treated in a hospital emergency room.

Clashes broke out between demonstrators and police officers during the demonstration in the northern Italian city. Participants in the demonstration displayed Palestinian flags and sometimes shouted anti-Israeli slogans. One banner read: "The schools know which side they are on - against the government and genocide".

When the demonstrators attempted to enter the prefecture's headquarters, they were pushed back by the police. This led to riots. The explosive device was then thrown in the chaotic melee, as several Italian media reported.

Demonstrations under the slogan "No Meloni Day"

In several Italian cities, pupils and students originally came together for demonstrations against the Meloni government's education policy under the slogan "No Meloni Day". However, they mainly used the protests to protest against Israel's actions in the Gaza war and arms sales to Israel.

In some places, photos of Prime Minister Meloni and some of her ministers were splattered with blood-red paint. In some places, even photos of Social Democratic opposition leader Elly Schlein were covered in blood-red handprints and displayed.

SDA