Italian journalists attacked during protest against high-speed rail

Italian journalists attacked during protest against high-speed rail

2012-03-01 06:50:42 GMT+7 (ICT)

ROME, Italy (BNO NEWS) -- Several Italian journalists were attacked on Wednesday while covering a protest against a new high-speed train line between Turin and the French city of Lyon, the ANSA news agency reported.

The journalists were recording video footage for the Italian daily Corriere della Sera when they were attacked by protesters in the northwestern town of Chianocco. The attackers reportedly stole their equipment, slashed their tires and struck one of the journalists in the face.

"We can solve many problems with dialogue, but certain things require absolute firmness," said Interior Minister Anna Maria Cancellieri, as quoted by ANSA. She said that work on the rail link between France and northern Italy is "important for future generations" and will continue despite the protests.

Opponents of the high-speed Lyon-Turin project argue that a tunnel in the Valle di Susa valley will create pollution and harm the area's natural beauty. But supporters of the link maintain that it will decrease pollution by minimizing highway shipping and automotive transportation.

On Tuesday, police used water canons and baton charges to remove a roadblock which had been placed by the protesters. At least three cars were set ablaze, leaving one protester critically injured.

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