The day of clashes in the square, from the call on social media from an unknown acronym to the arrests

Yesterday's square in Bologna was convened by "Empty Carts", which brought together some of the acronyms of collectives and antagonistic realities of the city (Cua, Crash, Plat) in Piazza Minghetti, against the high cost of living. However, according to what we learn, numerous young people of foreign origin, mostly minors, then infiltrated the group. With a call on social media, via Telegram with groups created ad hoc: the kids also arrived from other cities in the region, with the declared aim of emulating what happened in France in the last period.

Nicola Fratoianni of Avs spoke on this topic: "Yesterday there was an acronym that called for demonstrations, Italy in the square, of which at least I can't trace any origin: we need to ask ourselves questions, because - added the leader of the Italian Left - otherwise even the right, necessary distancing from the violence risks not being sufficient to organize a response, to understand what is happening particularly among the youngest".

Confcommercio, estimated one million euros in damage between Milan and Bologna

The first estimate of the damage to shops and premises caused in yesterday's clashes in the center of Milan is over half a million euros. This was explained by the general secretary of Confcommercio Milano, Marco Barbieri, speaking of "strong concern because such a situation had never been seen". "In the central area the estimate is over five hundred thousand euros in damage and lost income because the shops had to close at 5pm" he told ANSA. "There is concern for the future, because what is highlighted is a situation of social hardship - he added - but also trust in the institutions. Everyone must do their part".

In Bologna, "the damage to commercial activities is still being counted, but it is very significant: from an initial estimate at least 500 thousand euros, without considering the lost revenue". Confcommercio Bologna makes this known. "In via Indipendenza, Matteotti, other neighboring streets in Bolognina, Galleria 2 Agosto and all the surrounding streets since 3pm yesterday afternoon the businesses have not worked and many shops have closed", recalls Confcommercio Bologna.

Arrests and Daspo

197 people have been identified and accompanied to the police offices for the violence that occurred yesterday during the clashes at the marches organized in various cities by the 'Italy in the square' movement: 28 people were arrested, of which 12 minors and 6 foreigners: among these there would also be second generation migrants. There are 43 reported and 141 injured among the police. In Milan there were - according to the numbers recorded - around 5 thousand demonstrators, in Turin 3 thousand, in Bologna 2 thousand, in Brescia 600 and in Bergamo 800.

In addition to the arrests and complaints against 19 young people (13 under investigation and 6 arrested), the notice of initiation of the administrative procedure aimed at the imposition of the so-called Urban Daspo was served. This was specified by the Police Headquarters of the Lombardy capital. "Of these measures - we read in a note - 12 also include a warning from the Municipality of Milan and 1 of a ban on access to the so-called 'Out of Context' sporting events". The accusations that have been made so far are devastation, looting and resisting a public official.