25.10.2026 10:50
Protests were held in many cities in Italy against the cost of living, military spending, and government policies. In the capital, Rome, a group of protesters who broke away from the march forced their way through security entrances and entered the historic Colosseum. The protesters were removed from the area shortly afterward by security forces. Italy’s Ministry of Culture announced that, according to initial assessments, there was no damage or injury at the Colosseum.
On Saturday, October 24, thousands of people took to the streets in many cities in Italy, especially Rome, Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Florence. During the demonstrations in Rome, the world-famous Colosseum briefly fell into the hands of protesters.
“WITHDRAW ITALY FROM THE WAR” MARCH
According to the Italian press, demonstrators protested against war, rearmament, rising living costs, low wages, and repatriation centers where migrants are held. In Rome, a permitted march organized under the slogan “Withdraw Italy from the war” began at Piazza della Repubblica. After the march ended, a group that included many high school students left the designated route and headed toward the Colosseum.
THEY CLIMBED OVER THE TURNSTILES AND ENTERED
According to a report by Il Giornale newspaper, in the late afternoon, demonstrators who forced the entrances despite the barricade set up by police climbed over the turnstiles and entered the Colosseum. It was reported that the demonstrators reached the area normally visited by tourists, and some protesters called out to others, “Don’t touch anything, don’t break anything.” The demonstrators were removed from the area by security personnel and police intervention.
“NO DAMAGE OR INJURY”
In a statement from Italy’s Ministry of Culture, it was stated that some demonstrators carried out a “sudden and temporary raid” on the Colosseum Archaeological Park. The statement included the phrase, “As of now, there is no damage or injury.” It was reported that Culture Minister Alessandro Giuli was following developments in direct contact with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
96 PEOPLE TAKEN TO POLICE STATION IN ROME
According to information in the Italian press, while more than 200 people were identified in Rome, 96 people were taken to the police station. It was learned that businesses on streets with luxury stores in the capital had covered their shop windows with wooden panels in advance.
THEY BURNED A PHOTO OF MELONI IN TURIN
The protests also caused tension in other cities in the country. In Turin, police intervened three times after demonstrators threw flammable and explosive materials at police. Demonstrators burned a large photograph of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Piazza Castello. In Bologna, a brief scuffle occurred between demonstrators and police in Piazza Nettuno, where about a thousand people gathered, and some demonstrators were reported injured. In Milan, more than 1,400 security officers were assigned.
INTERIOR MINISTER: THE STATE’S RESPONSE WILL COME IMMEDIATELY
The protests were organized at the call of a group called the “October 17 Movement” after clashes and looting in Milan on October 17. Interior Minister Piantedosi said in a post on his social media account, “There will be no untouchable areas, and the state’s response will come immediately.” Piantedosi announced that a 30-year-old person alleged to be the organizer of the movement had been included in an investigation on suspicion of “incitement to commit crimes for terrorist purposes.” Searches were conducted at more than 150 addresses, especially in the Lombardy region.