Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni has issued a forceful condemnation against perpetrators of coordinated railway sabotage and violent protests targeting the Winter Olympics in Milan, branding them as “enemies of Italy and Italians.” The statement came early Sunday following significant disruptions to Italy’s rail infrastructure during the Games’ opening day.
The transport ministry has initiated a terrorism investigation into synchronized attacks on northern Italian railway lines that caused hours-long delays affecting thousands of passengers. According to ANSA news agency, the sabotage began around 6 a.m. Saturday at Bologna’s central rail hub—critical for north-south traffic—before striking coastal lines in the Pesaro area. Infrastructure was reportedly burned or cut in both incidents, though no group has claimed responsibility.
Simultaneously, Milan witnessed violent clashes as police deployed tear gas and water cannons against dozens of protesters attempting to access a highway near Olympic venues. The confrontation concluded a larger peaceful demonstration involving approximately 10,000 participants opposing the Games’ environmental impact and the presence of U.S. Homeland Security agents.
The protests featured symbolic displays including cardboard cutouts representing trees felled for Olympic construction and performances against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). A smaller masked faction set off smoke bombs and firecrackers near the Athletes’ Village before being contained by authorities.
Meloni’s government recently implemented a security decree permitting 12-hour detentions for suspected protest agitators—a measure criticized by opposition lawmakers as restricting freedom of expression. The Premier emphasized solidarity with law enforcement and Olympic volunteers while vowing to seek millions in compensation from perpetrators.
International Olympic Committee spokesperson Mark Adams distinguished between legitimate protest and violence, stating: “Peaceful protest is legitimate, but we draw a line at violence. That has no place at the Olympic Games.”
The demonstrations coincided with U.S. Vice President JD Vance’s visit as head of the American delegation, though officials clarified that ICE personnel in Italy are from investigative units operating within diplomatic confines rather than immigration enforcement roles.