As custodians of the Ancient Olympic Truce, the Monument of the Immortals condemns the recent acts of violence carried out by demonstrators near Olympic venues in Milan during the 2026 Winter Games. Such actions undermine the principles of peace, unity, and mutual respect that the Olympic movement is meant to uphold.
At the same time, we express our deep concern regarding the decisions of the United States government, the Italian government, and the International Olympic Committee to grant U.S. Customs and Immigration Enforcement personnel an advisory role at the Games. This unprecedented involvement raises serious questions about the protection of civil liberties and the neutrality expected of the Olympic environment.
We further condemn Prime Minister Meloni’s decree authorizing stricter detention measures for protesters. Policies that suppress dissent through force contradict the foundational values of the Olympic tradition and risk escalating tensions rather than resolving them.
These events echo troubling precedents from past Games—from Mexico City in 1968 to Munich in 1972 to Rio de Janeiro in 2016—where failures to uphold the Olympic Spirit of Truth contributed to unrest and tragedy. The repetition of such patterns is unacceptable.
We therefore call upon all governments, institutions, and supporters to reject violence in all forms and to work collectively to restore the ancient Olympic Spirit of Truce. The Olympic Games must remain a sanctuary of peace, not a stage for conflict.
The Monument of the Immortals remains steadfast in its mission to defend the integrity, dignity, and unifying purpose of the Olympic movement.