Clashes over Askatasuna social centre eviction: statement by President Meloni after visiting the two officers hospitalised in Turin

I visited Le Molinette Hospital in Turin this morning to offer Italy's solidarity to the two officers injured in yesterday's clashes and, through them, to all the military personnel and public security officers who were involved.

Alessandro is 29 years old, and Lorenzo is 28. Hammers, Molotov cocktails, paper bombs filled with nails, rocks launched from slingshots, and all kinds of blunt objects were used against them, as well as jammers to prevent the police from communicating. "They were there to take us out," one officer said.

Now, let me be clear. These are not protesters; these are organised criminals. When you hit someone with a hammer, you know that the consequences can be very, very grave.
This is not a protest; these are not clashes. This is attempted murder.

I expect the judiciary to evaluate these episodes for what they are, without hesitation, applying the existing laws that allow for a firm response, so there is no repetition of those responsible being reported only for then nothing to happen, as has unfortunately been the case all too often.
If the police had reacted to the attackers, they would now already be under official investigation, probably with some precautionary measure in place against them. If we cannot defend those who defend us, then there is no rule of law.

As far as the Government is concerned, I have called a meeting for tomorrow morning to discuss the threats to public order over recent days, and to assess the new provisions of the 'security decree'. We will do what is necessary to restore order in this nation.

[Courtesy translation]