An estimated 20,000 demonstrators marched through Italy's Susa Valley on Friday, with a faction of protesters attacking a high-speed rail construction site at Chiomonte using stones, petrol bombs, and fireworks, prompting police to respond with tear gas and water cannons. Two carabinieri vehicles were set on fire during the clashes.
The march, organised as part of the tenth edition of the "Alta Felicità" festival, set out from Venaus before splitting toward Salbertrand, Chiomonte, and San Didero. Authorities closed sections of the A32 motorway and suspended rail services between Bardonecchia and Salbertrand. Turin's police chief issued 14 urban banning orders and expulsion notices.
In pre-emptive sweeps, three French nationals were expelled from Italy on 23 July after being stopped with bolt cutters, helmets, petrol, and fireworks, while slingshots, flares, and explosives were also seized by authorities ahead of the rally.