Turin, 40 masked youths break into three schools and vandalize furniture and windows: 17-year-old arrested

Forty masked youths stormed three schools in Turin early Thursday, damaging furniture, sports equipment, and windows with crowbars and fire extinguishers. A 17-year-old was arrested after being caught trying to break a window with an extinguisher at the Bosso-Monti institute. The group used masks and balaclavas, and some threw stones at police officers, one of whom suffered a muscle bruise to his left leg and required hospital treatment. The teenager does not attend any of the targeted schools and has been charged with resisting public officials and aggravated property damage. He was taken to a youth reception center in Turin pending further legal action. The incidents began around 8 a.m. when the group entered the Istituto Superiore Sella in via Montecuccoli 12. A local resident captured footage showing them entering through a window. They forced their way into the primary school Ricardi di Netro, located near the carabinieri barracks on via Valfrè. Inside, they damaged furnishings and sports gear while children and teachers watched in fear. At the Monti institute, the group attempted to enter but failed due to locked doors. They instead directed fire extinguishers against the building's exterior wall and tried to force open the gate using a scooter. They also shattered windows along corso Galileo Ferraris by throwing stones and poles. During this time, a teacher and a school assistant were injured while trying to stop the group from occupying the Colombatto campus. Teachers and principal Silvia Viscomi helped students who did not want to participate in the assault exit the premises. Those inside blocked entrances by stacking desks and emptied fire extinguishers. One teacher described the actions as pure violence. A conflict also arose at the Colombatto school between students supporting and opposing the occupation. Opponents included members of Azione Studentesca, a youth organization linked to Fratelli d'Italia. According to a representative, the group went to prevent the occupation outside the school. Supporters reportedly launched fireworks and used an extinguisher against those opposing the protest. Azione Studentesca claims to have prevented the occupants from entering the main campus.