Police clash with protesters in Milan during Winter Olympics

Police clash with protesters in Milan during Winter Olympics
Police clash with demonstrators trying to block a road to the Santa Giulia Arena during protests against the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on Feb. 7, 2026.
Reuters

Police in riot gear pushed toward a group of protesters who launched fireworks, flares and smoke bombs during a demonstration in Milan on Saturday, as the city hosted events on the first full day of the Milano Cortina Winter Olympics.

Reuters footage showed police advancing along a street to disperse protesters as thick smoke filled the air and fireworks exploded overhead.

More than 5,000 people took part in the march, protesting rising housing costs and environmental concerns in the Olympic host city.

The demonstration was organised by grassroots unions, housing-rights groups and activists from social centres, who said the protest aimed to draw attention to what they describe as an increasingly unsustainable urban model in Milan, characterised by soaring rents and widening inequality.

Authorities did not immediately report any injuries or arrests, and the protest unfolded amid heightened security linked to the international sporting event.

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