Protests and railway sabotage took place in the aftermath of the Winter Olympics’ opening ceremony
Shortly after the opening ceremony of the 2026 Winter Olympics, environmental and economic protesters clashed with police near the Olympic Village in Milan, northern Italy.
On Saturday, roughly 10,000 people marched to condemn what they termed the “unsustainable” Olympics. At the close of the demonstration, dozens of rioters hurled stones and set off fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas and a water cannon.
That same day, sabotage of rail infrastructure near Bologna and Pesaro disrupted traffic and resulted in delays for both high-speed and regular train services.
Authorities reported that cables were damaged on a section of the Bologna-Venice line, while an arson attack targeted a rail traction substation on the Ancona-Rimini line. An improvised incendiary device was also said to have been found on the tracks.
Flares fired at police and media in Milan as anti-Olympics protests spread
Thousands marched past Olympic Village opposing Milano Cortina 2026
Italy passed preventive detention decree 🅱️efore the Games opened
Protesters say public funds are wasted on Olympics instead of healthcare
— Boi Agent One (@boiagentone)
Public broadcaster RAI stated that while no one had claimed responsibility, authorities suspect anarchists were involved.