Left-wing activists injured over 100 police officers in a riot in the Italian city of Turin over the closure of a cultural centre. 

Protesters on Saturday night threw stones, smoke bombs, fireworks and Molotov cocktails at law enforcement. Rubbish bins and a police van were also set alight. 

Shocking video footage showed a police officer lying on the ground being kicked and beaten by several people, with one using a hammer on him. 

The officer’s helmet was flung off in the attack and he was seen desperately trying to flee during the beating. 

Another cop, in riot gear, was then seen rushing to his aid, protecting him from further injuries using a riot shield.  

Authorities said that while the 29-year-old officer had suffered serious injuries, he was not in a critical condition. 

An estimated 15,000 people turned out to show dissent against the eviction of the Askatasuna cultural centre, which has long been a meeting place for left-wing activism in the city.

While the protests began peacefully, local media reported that groups of masked individuals broke away and began causing chaos.  

Shocking video footage showed a police officer lying on the ground being kicked and beaten by several people, with one using a hammer on him

An estimated 15,000 people turned out to show dissent against the eviction of the Askatasuna cultural centre

Security forces responded with tear gas and a water cannon to disperse the crowd. At least one demonstrator was taken away with head injuries. 

In total, 108 members of the security forces were injured, including 96 police officers, seven Guardia di Finanza (Financial Police) personnel and five carabinieri, according to authorities. 

At least three people were arrested during the clashes, including one in connection with an attack on an officer. 

Investigations are ongoing to identify other offenders.  

Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni last night said her government will hold a meeting today to assess threats to public order and evaluate new security measures. 

She said of the riots: ‘When you hit someone with a hammer, you do so knowing that the consequences can be very, very serious. 

‘This is not a protest, these are not clashes. This is attempted murder.’ 

She called on prosecutors to strongly apply existing laws to rulebreakers: ‘If we are unable to defend those who defend us, there is no rule of law.’

Clashes at the march launched in solidarity with the Askatasuna Social Center on January 31 2026

In total, 108 members of the security forces were injured

A demonstrator walks near burning rubbish containers during clashes with police following a march in support of Askatasuna, a left-wing social centre that was evicted by authorities in Turin, Italy, January 31, 2026

The Italian leader added in a statement shared to X: ‘We will do what is necessary to restore order in this country.’

Italy’s interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi called the protesters ‘a danger to democracy,’ accusing parts of the political left of ‘covering for’ violent groups. 

And Lt. Gen. Salvatore Luongo, commander of Italy’s carabinieri, described the protesters’ actions on Saturday as ‘an attack on the state.’