Italian police arrested six protesters after violent clashes erupted in Milan during the opening day of the Winter Olympics. Thousands marched through the northern Italian city to demonstrate against the Games and rising living costs. Some protesters threw stones and fireworks at police, who responded with water cannon.

The arrests came after the Italian government tightened protest laws following a demonstration in Turin that injured over 100 officers. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the protesters as "enemies of Italy" who damaged the country's international image. She accused them of sabotaging railway infrastructure to disrupt Olympic transportation.

Meanwhile, officials are investigating suspected sabotage on northern Italy's railway network. Severed cables and an explosive device were discovered near Bologna's major transport hub. The transport ministry described these incidents as "unprecedented seriousness" that would not tarnish Italy's Olympic image. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini defended the new security measures, saying they would allow more effective interventions against violent protesters.

Quick Fact: Six people were arrested after clashes in Milan during the first day of the Winter Olympics.