On 18 December 2025, police forces acting on orders from the Ministry of the Interior entered the Askatasuna social centre in Vanchiglia, a suburb of Turin, and expelled the occupants who had run the space for almost three decades. The raid, coordinated by the chief of police, marked the latest episode in a growing confrontation between the state and a coalition of anarchist citizen committees and pro-Palestinian activists.
Background to the clash
Turin has a historic reputation as a hotbed of radical politics, from the early days of Antonio Gramsci's teaching to the militant unions of the 1970s that challenged the industrial power of Fiat. The city's working-class heritage was once anchored by the Mirafiori plant, which at its peak employed more than 60,000 workers across three million square metres, an area the size of 420 football pitches.
In recent years the city has seen a resurgence of autonomous social centres, known as centri sociali autogestiti, many of which host environmental activists, anti-fascist groups and supporters of the No-TAV movement that opposes the high-speed rail link between Turin and Lyon.
Why the police action matters
The Askatasuna centre, whose name means "freedom" in Basque, had become a focal point for community outreach, offering informal help desks, workshops and a meeting place for residents. Its eviction has been framed by the government as part of a broader security strategy championed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In February 2026 her administration passed the "Pacchetto Sicurezza", a package of measures that creates "red zones" with a permanent police presence and allows pre-emptive arrests.
Critics argue that the legislation threatens civil liberties and targets marginalised neighbourhoods that are already under pressure from gentrification and rising tech-sector activity. Lawyer Gianluca Vitale, who represents activists, warned that the new rules blur the line between legitimate protest and criminalisation.
What happens next
Protesters have vowed to continue their demonstrations, with groups such as the Torino per Gaza network and local mothers' collectives organising regular rallies. The interior minister, Matteo Piantedosi, has signalled that further evictions of unauthorised squats are likely, especially in areas deemed "urban decorum" hotspots.
Meanwhile, the political landscape remains volatile. Giorgia Meloni is approaching a record tenure for a post-war Italian government, despite a recent defeat in a referendum on judicial reform and a loss of favour with former US ally Donald Trump. The outcome of the security crackdown will test the durability of her coalition and could influence future policy on public order across Italy.
"For us, conflict is a key term, but the system inflicts daily violence on all citizens living in our communities," said activist Riccardo, a long-time participant at Askatasuna.
As the city's streets fill with police vans and protest banners, Turin's legacy of dissent is once again at a crossroads, forcing residents, authorities and the national government to confront the balance between security and civil freedom.