Police Deploy Tear Gas as Anti-Lockdown Protests Turn Violent in Milan
Anti-lockdown protests in Milan turned violent on October 26 as the city began enforcing more stringent COVID-19 restrictions.
Police used tear gas to disperse protesters, according to reports, as some luxury stores such as Gucci were looted and firecrackers were used.
Demonstrations also took places in other cities across the country.
The Italian government ordered restaurants and bars to close from 6 pm until 5 am, and shut gyms, cinemas and swimming pools in an attempt to slow down a “rapid growth” of the virus. The new measures are to be in place until November 24.
“The measures taken now serve to avoid closing everything for Christmas,” said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during a press conference. “We have not introduced a curfew – it is not a word we love – but we recommend moving only for reasons of work, health, study and necessity, and not to receive people who are not members of the family at home.”
Protesters can be heard chanting “Freedom” in the video, while some can be seen holding lit flares. Credit: Mi-Tomorrow via Storyful
