Thousands of citizens protested Saturday in Italy’s major cities against increasing cost of living, the government of Giorgia Melon, and the wars in the Middle East.

Protests were largely peaceful, but in Rome, Florence, Bologna and Turin were recorded tensions and clashes with police.

In Rome a group of protesters entered Colosseum, while police in Bologna used tear gas and water cannons.

For ensuring security, the government hired police and soldiers, while 500 soldiers were deployed in Milan.

According to authorities, nine persons were arrested, 87 were reported, and another 371 were escorted to police for verification.

Prime Minister Giorgia Melon praised the security operation, stressing that the right to protest must be guaranteed, but the safety of citizens must also be protected. /Telegraphy/