Fourteen young people were taken to police headquarters in Florence during a demonstration on Saturday, October 24, 2026, after officers suspected them of carrying items that could be used to conceal their identities.
The group included a 17-year-old girl and 13 adults aged between 20 and 30. Police reportedly found or suspected the presence of balaclavas, face masks and other items that could be used to hide their faces.
All 14 were released after police completed their checks. One of the adults was reported to judicial authorities after being found in possession of a firecracker.
The march began in Piazza Santa Maria Novella and continued towards Piazza Santo Spirito before reaching Ponte Santa Trinita, where tensions escalated as demonstrators attempted to enter Via Tornabuoni. Police in riot gear blocked access to the shopping street, leading to a prolonged standoff.
During the confrontation, protesters threw bottles, firecrackers and other objects towards officers, who responded with brief baton charges. A separate group also attempted to enter Santa Maria Novella railway station but was stopped by police.
The Florence demonstration was part of a wider day of protests across Italy, with clashes also reported in Rome, Milan, Bologna and Turin.
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