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Violent no-Expo protest takes place in Italy's Milan

Xinhua, May 2, 2015 Adjust font size:

Parked cars were torched, bank windows were smashed and garbage bins were set on fire during a violent anti-Expo protest that took place in Italy's Milan on Friday following the official opening of Expo Milano 2015.

Groups of protesters with masked faces threw a large quantity of stones, bottles and incendiary objects against police who responded with water cannons and tear gas not far from Duomo Square, the heart of Milan.

Some policemen were reported by ANSA news agency to be injured and many tourists to flee in panic. Milan-based Corriere della Sera newspaper said around 500 people, including Italians and foreigners, were the authors of the attacks.

Italian President Sergio Mattarella in a statement clearly condemned the shameful acts carried out against an event aimed at strengthening solidarity among the different countries of the world.

"I wish that those responsible for the violences will be brought to justice as soon as possible," Mattarella underlined.

The clashes came hours after Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi declared the world exposition officially open at a ceremony held at the exhibition site, located northwest of Milan, in the presence of local authorities.

Days ago Milan had tightened security and seized reinforced clubs, gas masks and pickaxes during searches in a working class neighborhood. Several people, including Italians and other anti-Expo activists mostly of French and German origin, had been taken in for identification.

The Expo Milano 2015, themed "Feeding the Planet, Energy for Life," hosts the exhibitions of more than 140 countries and organizations, of which a record number of 54 have their self-built pavilions at the site, and will last till Oct. 31.

The event will feature thousands of performances, concerts, workshops and exhibitions from morning to night with the aim to give a concrete answer to the vital need for mankind to ensure enough healthy food for all while respecting nature. Endit