Milan, February 8 – A demonstration against the 2026 Winter Olympics, initially drawing around 10,000 participants to Piazza Medaglie d’Oro, took a violent turn in the Corvetto district yesterday evening. The protest, organized by the ‘Unsustainable Olympics Committee,’ saw a group of approximately one hundred masked individuals clash with police, leading to six arrests.
Peaceful March Turns Violent in Corvetto
The march, which began peacefully with a diverse crowd of students, seniors, trade unionists, and environmentalists, proceeded with slogans like “Reclaim our cities, free our mountains.” The initial phase of the protest focused on criticisms of the “Olympic binge,” targeting perceived speculation, over-construction, favoritism towards the wealthy, and neglect of the poor.
However, as the procession moved into the working-class Corvetto district, the tone shifted. Near the home of Ramy Elgaml, a 19-year-old who died during a police pursuit in November 2024, a smaller, more aggressive group emerged. These individuals, wearing helmets, masks, and balaclavas, began to advance towards police lines.
Clashes with Law Enforcement
The confrontation escalated rapidly. Protesters launched flares, fireworks, stones, smoke bombs, glass bottles, and a large concrete block reportedly taken from a nearby construction site at the police. Law enforcement responded with tear gas, water cannons, and batons. The skirmishes lasted for several minutes under a motorway overpass, approximately two kilometers from the initial protest site.
No officers were reported injured, though some protesters sustained minor injuries. Seven individuals were initially detained, with one later released after identification. The remaining six – three men and three women, all Italian – were taken to the police station. They face charges including disguising their identities, throwing objects, and resisting arrest. Among those detained was a young man from Turin associated with the Askatasuna social center, who will also receive a deportation order.
Broader Criticisms of “Big Events”
The protest highlighted broader discontent with “Big Events” like the Olympics, which critics argue bring with them “speculation,” “concrete,” “favors for the usual rich,” and “war on the poor and their rights.” One early act of defiance involved hanging a banner from a railway bridge over Corso Lodi, near the Olympic Village, reading “Go trans athletes,” protesting the categorization of athletes by identity.
As the march ventured into the more peripheral and challenging Corvetto area, social grievances became more prominent. Protesters demanded “homes for families” and “uniforms out of the neighborhood.” The change in attire among the more agitated participants, concealed by smoke bombs, signaled the impending confrontation with security forces.
Political Reactions
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the clashes, stating, “Those who demonstrate against the Games are enemies of Italy. Solidarity with the city.” This statement underscores the political sensitivity surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics and the public’s reaction to the event.
The incident in Milan is part of a growing trend of protests against large-scale events, where concerns about environmental impact, social displacement, and the allocation of public resources often come to the forefront. The confrontation in Corvetto serves as a stark reminder of the tensions that can arise between official narratives of progress and the grievances of marginalized communities.
The Milanese authorities are expected to review security protocols for future events, while the organizers of the “Unsustainable Olympics Committee” will likely continue their advocacy against the perceived negative consequences of the Games.
