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Milan Expo Opening Marred by Clashes Between Police and Protesters

© REUTERS / Stefano RellandiniA policeman fires tear gas during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
A policeman fires tear gas during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015 - Sputnik International
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The opening day of Italy's Milan Expo has been overshadowed by heavy clashes between police and protesters opposed to the global fair and showcase.

The Expo, opening Friday as a means of showcasing Italian food, culture and technology to the world, was accompanied by over 30,000 protesters in the streets of Milan. Expo opponents, among them anti-austerity activists, environmentalists and anti-globalists, see the event as a showcase of waste and corruption.

© REUTERS / Stefano RellandiniA man is helped to save his car set on fire by protesters during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1
A man is helped to save his car set on fire by protesters during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1 - Sputnik International
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A man is helped to save his car set on fire by protesters during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1
© AP Photo / Riccardo De LucaMasked activists march as clashes broke out with police during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
Masked activists march as clashes broke out with police during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015 - Sputnik International
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Masked activists march as clashes broke out with police during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
© AP Photo / Luca BrunoA demonstrators kicks a teargas canister as clashes broke out with Italian Policemen during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
A demonstrators kicks a teargas canister as clashes broke out with Italian Policemen during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015 - Sputnik International
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A demonstrators kicks a teargas canister as clashes broke out with Italian Policemen during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
© REUTERS / Stefano RellandiniProtesters throw bottles and flares during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
Protesters throw bottles and flares during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015 - Sputnik International
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Protesters throw bottles and flares during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
© REUTERS / Stefano RellandiniA protester on a wheelchair goes through clothes used by protesters and left on the ground during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
A protester on a wheelchair goes through clothes used by protesters and left on the ground during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015 - Sputnik International
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A protester on a wheelchair goes through clothes used by protesters and left on the ground during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
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A man is helped to save his car set on fire by protesters during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1
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Masked activists march as clashes broke out with police during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
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A demonstrators kicks a teargas canister as clashes broke out with Italian Policemen during a protest against the Expo 2015 fair in Milan, Italy, Friday, May 1, 2015
4/5
Protesters throw bottles and flares during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015
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A protester on a wheelchair goes through clothes used by protesters and left on the ground during a rally against Expo 2015 in Milan, Italy, May 1, 2015

The protests took a nasty turn as stone-throwing masked protesters separate from the main group began smashing windows, torching trash bins and setting fire to several parked cars.

With thousands of police already deployed in the lead up to the event, riot police responded by firing tear gas into the crowd, while using water cannons to put out fires.

Anti-Expo campaigners have been bolstered by Italy's dragging recession and catastrophic youth unemployment rate of over 40 percent. Italian Prime Minister Matteo Renzi stated that the Expo could assist in the country's economic recovery, serving as a test for Italy's economic future. But the opening of the Expo itself has been marred by organizational and corruption issues, with the protests and violence looking only to worsen the event's fragile reputation.

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