Italy anti-austerity protest ends in violent clashes

Rome was the scene of violent clashes between protesters and riot police on Saturday. What began as a peaceful anti-austerity demonstration turned violent when the group of workers and students reached the Ministry for Industry. At first eggs and oranges were hurled at the government buildings, before some turned on the anti-riot police with rocks and firecrackers who in turn responded with tear gas. According to the interior ministry six were taken into custody and several police officers and participants were injured. Banners read ‘housing, income and dignity’. With unemployment at 13 percent, many of the young protesters feel proposed labour reforms will affect their already precarious situation, fueling the anger which was evident in the Italian capital.