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Italian Students Storm Tower of Pisa, Rome's Colosseum


Students in Rome hold up a banner saying: 'No to cuts and proposed bill, no profit on our future' as they march past the Colosseum, 25 Nov 2010
Students in Rome hold up a banner saying: 'No to cuts and proposed bill, no profit on our future' as they march past the Colosseum, 25 Nov 2010

Italian students stormed Rome's Colosseum and the Leaning Tower of Pisa Thursday as part of nationwide protests against budget cuts and university reforms proposed by the government of Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.

In the northern city of Pisa, the students prevented tourists from entering the landmark, while in Rome dozens of protesters jumped over turnstiles at the entrance.

Thousands of students in other Italian cities took part in protests against the reforms.

News agencies reported that one student was injured during clashes with police in Florence, while in Milan police prevented protesters from entering the subway.

Thursday protests were the latest in a wave of demonstrations against austerity measures in Europe.

Thousands of British students rallied in London and other cities Wednesday against government plans to triple university tuition and fees.

Protesters attacked a police van, set fires and sprayed graffiti. Two police officers were injured and at least 29 marchers were arrested.

Students held a similar march in London two weeks ago, when they broke into the headquarters of Prime Minister David Cameron's Conservative Party, smashing windows and breaking furniture.

Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.

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