STUDENTS DEMAND BETTER SCHOOL CONDITIONS AT DEMONSTRATIONS

ROME, OCTOBER 16 /SRNA/ – Tens of thousands of Italian students took part in demonstrations demanding better conditions in schools.

Rallies across the country were peaceful in the vast majority of cities, but turned violent in Turin.

“Several dozen demonstrators threw stones, glass bottles and flares at security forces,” eyewitnesses said.

Police responded with water cannons and tear gas.

According to witness accounts, several hundred demonstrators wore masks, the DPA news agency reported.

Demonstrations were also held in Rome and Milan.

Protesters chanted slogans and carried banners expressing support for students in France.

As in France, Italian demonstrators are demanding more teachers, better school equipment and improved learning conditions.

The protests were also directed against a proposed new education law that would limit the number of foreign students with poor Italian-language skills allowed in classrooms starting from the next school year.