Thousands Rally Across Italy as Scuffles Erupt Near Colosseum
WHO:
Ynetnews - Youssef Siher is an Italian citizen of Moroccan descent who grew up near Brescia and studied communications and political science at the University of Milan.
Ynetnews - Siher’s wife was placed under investigation in connection with the same alleged offenses; she remained free.
Ynetnews - Barcelona police chief Sílvia Catà said 73 of those detained were under 18, while other police summaries listed 72; only two arrestees had prior public-disorder records.
Ynetnews - Barcelona Mayor Jaume Collboni said those responsible would face legal consequences, potentially including action against guardians of minors involved.
NY Post - Hundreds of protesters, some waving Palestinian flags, were involved in demonstrations and clashes near the Roman Colosseum.
Euronews.com - Thousands of people protested across Italy’s main cities.
Euronews.com - Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni praised those involved in managing the demonstrations.
Euronews.com - Nine people were arrested; 87 people were reported to the authorities, and 371 were taken to police stations for checks, including 110 minors and 69 foreign nationals.
Euronews.com - In Milan, 30-year-old Youssef Siher was detained and placed under investigation on suspicion of aggravated incitement to commit a crime. He was alleged to be behind the “17 October Movement,” through which thousands reportedly shared information about participating in the protests.
Euronews.com - Protesters and police clashed or faced tensions in Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin; verbal clashes also occurred between protesters and far-right activists in Milan.
WHAT:
Ynetnews - Siher is under investigation for alleged criminal incitement, organized violence at public demonstrations and terrorism-related offenses; he has not been convicted.
Ynetnews - Investigators reportedly recovered files with proposed gathering points and organizational details for demonstrations during searches of properties associated with Siher.
Ynetnews - Siher wrote “Allahu Akbar” in response to Matteo Salvini’s message expressing solidarity with Israel on the day of Hamas’ October 7 attack. He later described Hamas’ operation as “a revolutionary act of decolonization.”
Ynetnews - Barcelona police reported 23 businesses vandalized or looted, 33 fires, and 15 officers injured, four seriously.
NY Post - Protesters stormed the Colosseum gates and clashed with police.
Euronews.com - Demonstrators protested a range of issues, including the rising cost of living, Meloni’s government and wars in the Middle East.
Euronews.com - In Rome, a group broke away from the march on Via Cavour, entered the Flavian Amphitheatre, chanted slogans and held placards. Authorities later escorted them out.
Euronews.com - A young demonstrator stood in front of a police water-cannon truck, which moved for a couple of metres; he nearly ended up beneath it, and officers forcefully dragged him away. Videos circulated on social media.
Euronews.com - In Florence, officers used batons as protesters pushed to cross the Santa Trìnita bridge and break through a security cordon.
Euronews.com - In Bologna, bottles and other objects were thrown at security forces as a march was stopped from continuing toward Via Marconi and Via Reno. Police responded with a water cannon and tear gas; one person was taken to hospital after being struck by officers.
Euronews.com - Milan’s marches joined and moved around the city centre; the situation there was described as calmer.
WHERE:
Ynetnews - In Barcelona, unrest centered around Plaça de Catalunya; businesses targeted included clothing, footwear and electronics stores.
Ynetnews - In Rome, confrontations near Piazza della Repubblica involved police batons, tear gas and water cannons.
NY Post - Clashes occurred at the historic gates of Rome’s Colosseum.
Euronews.com - Demonstrations took place in Italy’s main cities, including Rome, Florence, Turin, Bologna and Milan.
WHY:
Ynetnews - Barcelona rioters were urged online to join an anti-establishment movement using the slogan “Instituts Indignats.”
Euronews.com - The demonstrations addressed the cost of living, Meloni’s government and wars in the Middle East.
Euronews.com - The government introduced a security operation after violence at demonstrations the previous weekend.
HOW:
Ynetnews - Barcelona participants coordinated through social media; some livestreamed vandalism and theft, while viewers encouraged them online.
Euronews.com - Police officers and soldiers patrolled city centres; 500 soldiers were deployed in Milan in response to attacks on shops the previous Saturday.
Euronews.com - In Florence, Turin, Milan and Rome, protesters gathered in smaller groups rather than one main march, later joining together; security forces blocked repeated attempts to reach city centres.
Euronews.com - Meloni said: “The right to demonstrate must always be guaranteed, just as the right of citizens to live in their cities in safety.” She added: “Safety must be guaranteed for everyone. For those who want to protest peacefully, for those who work and for those who want to live in their city without fear. Without leaving room for those who seek only confrontation and violence.”
(UPDATED October 26, 2026 01:31 UTC)
Thousands of people demonstrated across Italy’s main cities over the cost of living, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and wars in the Middle East, with clashes reported in several locations. In Rome, some protesters entered the Colosseum, chanted slogans and held placards before authorities escorted them out. Police used batons in Florence and water cannons and tear gas in Bologna, where one person was hospitalized after being struck by officers. Demonstrations in Milan were calmer, though far-right activists and protesters exchanged verbal clashes. Authorities arrested nine people, reported 87 to authorities and took 371 to police stations for checks, including 110 minors. In Milan, 30-year-old Youssef Siher was detained and placed under investigation on suspicion of aggravated incitement; he has not been convicted. Meloni said peaceful protest must be protected while cities and residents are kept safe.
--
(UPDATED October 25, 2026 19:04 UTC)
Thousands protested across Italy’s major cities over the cost of living, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government and wars in the Middle East, with clashes in several locations. In Rome, demonstrators broke away from a march, entered the Colosseum and chanted slogans before authorities escorted them out. Some protesters also stormed the historic gates and clashed with police. Tensions were reported in Florence, Bologna and Turin, while Milan’s demonstrations were calmer. Police used batons, water cannons and tear gas in some confrontations; one person in Bologna was taken to hospital after being struck by officers. Nine people were arrested, 87 reported to authorities and 371 taken to police stations for checks. Meloni praised those managing the demonstrations, saying peaceful protest must be protected alongside residents’ safety. Authorities deployed soldiers and increased security after violence at protests the previous weekend.