Eviction Sparks Confrontation
Turin, Italy – Violent clashes erupted in the city of Turin on Thursday, December 18, 2025, following the eviction of the long-standing Askatasuna social center. A protest organized in response to the eviction escalated into confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement, leaving at least nine police officers injured.
The Askatasuna social center, located at Corso Regina Margherita 47, had been occupied since November 1996 and served as a significant hub for the city's autonomous and radical left movements.
Background to the Eviction
The eviction operation, carried out by the Turin police's DIGOS (Special Operations Unit), was reportedly prompted by a breach of a collaboration agreement between the center and the Municipality. This agreement, in place since early 2024, recognized the building as a 'common good' but stipulated that only the ground floor could be used. However, six activists were found on the third floor during a dawn raid, leading Mayor Stefano Lo Russo to declare the agreement terminated.
The operation was also linked to ongoing investigations into attacks that occurred during recent pro-Palestinian demonstrations, targeting the offices of the newspaper La Stampa, the OGR, and the Leonardo company. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi commented on the eviction, stating it was 'a clear signal from the state: there must be no room for violence in our country.'
Details of the Clashes
The protest march, which drew over 2,000 participants, including delegations from cities like Milan and Genoa, began peacefully but quickly turned confrontational. Demonstrators, some reportedly hooded, attempted to re-enter the evicted building and threw objects such as bottles and firecrackers at police lines. Law enforcement responded with water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd.
The injured officers sustained wounds from 'blunt objects' thrown by protesters. Activists also reported injuries among their ranks. Allegations of crimes during the protest include:
- Private violence
- Aggravated bodily harm
- Disruption of a public service
- Aggravated damage
- Aggravated assault and resistance to a public official
- Roadblocks
In anticipation of further unrest, nearby schools were closed. Activists condemned the eviction as a politically motivated act, asserting it was 'the clear will of a fascist government to thwart the massive demonstrations for Palestine.'
5 Comments
Muchacho
Shame on Turin! Evicting a vital social hub is an attack on community and free expression.
Mariposa
It's regrettable that officers were injured during the clashes, but the article also suggests the eviction was tied to broader political investigations. This raises questions about the true underlying motives.
Bella Ciao
Askatasuna was a crucial space. This eviction is politically motivated and a cruel blow to activists.
Comandante
The violence from protesters is concerning and unacceptable, but closing a long-standing social center, especially one linked to pro-Palestine activism, can easily be perceived as a politically charged act. Both sides bear responsibility for the escalation.
Loubianka
The state must assert control. These radical groups cause nothing but disruption and vandalism.