Students battle with riot police in Palermo as Italy sees new wave of protests

Student protesters in Italy clashed with police in the Sicilian capital Palermo on Wednesday as part of nation-wide demonstrations over university budget cuts that are expected to be approved by parliament. Carrying placards bearing the name of famous books, thousands of protesters marched through the streets, some wearing helmets similar to those used by riot police. One of Rome's most famous fountains on Gianicolo Hill ran red after demonstrators poured red paint into the water. Students said the red colour symbolised both the blood spilt in last week's violent protests, and the budgets of Italy's education system. Its reported that protests in Rome, Milan and Sardegna had so far passed off peacefully.

Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HI-LJjqGA0&feature=player_embedded