Violent protests erupt in Milan over rising prices, 271 detained

Police detained 271 people following violent protests and looting in Milan, Italy.

According to the Italian news agency ANSA, the 271 people were taken in on charges including obstruction of public duties, vandalism and looting. Of those detained, 220 were minors and 60 were foreign nationals.

Authorities said 32 of those detained were arrested and 28 were referred to prosecutors.

The unrest broke out in Milan on Sunday as demonstrators took to the streets to protest rising prices and deteriorating public services.

Police fired tear gas to disperse the crowds, while protesters responded by discharging fire extinguishers and setting off firecrackers, escalating the clashes.

Demonstrators also clashed with police in other cities, including Turin and Bologna.

A group calling itself the "October 17 Movement" posted on social media that it would "continue to protest every Saturday until the thieving government falls."

Protests by truck drivers over high fuel prices also spread, with some entrances to the port of Naples blocked that day.

Concerns have been raised that a prolonged truckers' strike could disrupt the distribution of fresh produce in major cities.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that taking to the streets was a "right," but called the violent protests "something that cannot be justified."

Protests against high prices have been mounting across Europe. In France, demonstrations demanding lower prices and better education conditions recently intensified, resulting in around 2,400 arrests and leaving some 1,000 people injured, including police officers.