Violent clashes in Milan overshadow start of Expo 2015

The opening of Expo 2015 was marred Friday by violent clashes between police and dozens of militants opposed to Milan’s hosting of the world fair. Police fired tear gas at stone-throwing protestors wearing balaclavas or gas masks who had smashed windows and torched several cars and bins during a “No Expo” march which organisers said had brought 30,000 people onto the streets. Water cannons were used to put out blazes, including one at a bank branch where the wall had been graffiti-ed with the words: “You’ve skinned us, today you pay.”

The authentic face of Milan is the positive, noble and handsome one displayed to the world and the future at Expo’s opening, not that of these vandals.

Prime Minister Matteo Renzi said in a statement.

The violent scenes left parts of Milan’s elegant centre looking like a battle zone, giving a bitter-sweet start to a six-month food-themed event Italy hopes will bolster its international standing and boost its struggling economy. Police made at least 10 arrests, and a similar number of police were injured in clashes that had been anticipated for weeks.

Europe Milan