MILAN, Feb 8 - Tensions flared on the opening weekend of the Winter Games as anti-Olympics demonstrators clashed with police in Milan and suspected sabotage disrupted rail services elsewhere in Italy.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni sharply denounced the protesters involved in the confrontations and in damage to railway infrastructure, calling them "enemies of Italy." She contrasted their actions with the efforts of the many Italians working to ensure the smooth running and positive image of the Games. "Then there are those who are enemies of Italy and Italians, demonstrating 'against the Olympics' and ensuring that these images are broadcast on television screens around the world. After others cut the railway cables to prevent trains from departing," she wrote on Instagram.
The incidents occurred on the first full day of competition in the Winter Games, hosted by Milan along with Cortina d'Ampezzo. In Milan, a contingent of roughly 100 people who separated from a larger demonstration engaged with police, throwing firecrackers, smoke bombs and bottles. The wider protest drew an estimated 10,000 participants who marched over concerns about housing costs and environmental issues related to the Games.
Police recorded three separate episodes of damage on the national rail network on Saturday, including a sabotage incident near Bologna. Those events caused delays of up to 2-1/2 hours for high-speed, Intercity and regional services. The Transport Ministry said a probe into suspected terrorism had been launched and warned that those responsible would face a multimillion euro damages claim.
"Decisive action will be taken to put an end to such unacceptable acts, which only cause inconvenience to millions of Italians," the Transport Ministry said in a statement.
The International Olympic Committee also condemned the unrest. IOC spokesperson Mark Adams told reporters that "Peaceful protest is entirely legitimate... We draw a line at violence. That has no place at the Olympic Games." He added that organisers must "get on with the Games which will spread a strong message of unity and peace to the world, which I think is very important at this moment in time."
No group has claimed responsibility for the rail damage. Officials noted the disruption echoed a separate incident on the opening day of another recent Olympics where sabotage to a high-speed rail network created travel chaos.
As the Games proceed, authorities are balancing the right to peaceful demonstration with efforts to protect critical transport infrastructure and maintain public safety. Investigations into the rail incidents are ongoing and could lead to legal and financial consequences for those identified as responsible.