Environmental extremists protested outside an Italian bank that they claim invests in the arms industry.

Members of Extinction Rebellion staged a dramatic demonstration at the entrance of Intesa Sanpaolo's headquarters in Piazza Duomo, Brescia, on July 13.

Protesters climbed the building's columns and unfurled a banner reading 'Our savings, your bombs'. They placed a large pink piggy bank shaped like a grenade, complete with a pig's snout, in front of the building.

Another group, dressed as businessmen, theatrically carried coins labelled 'your savings' and dropped them into the piggy bank.

Demonstrator Laura said: 'The bank presents itself as supporting sustainable development and an inclusive society, but ordinary people's savings are being turned into bombs falling on war-torn populations and climate bombs destroying territories.'

The group condemned the bank's significant investments in fossil fuel projects and the weapons industry, though the significant exposure to a highly profitable sector could be seen as attractive by many retail investors.

From 2016 to 2023, Intesa Sanpaolo reportedly invested some two billion USD into the arms sector, with 60 per cent going to Leonardo Spa, Europe's leading arms manufacturer.

Protesters also stated that since 2014, the bank has invested more than 81 billion USD in fossil fuels, ranking it among the top 40 global financiers in the sector.

Activist Lorenzo added: 'War and climate are deeply connected. Achieving net-zero emissions is impossible without ending wars.'

The protesters highlighted the severe climate impacts caused by ongoing conflicts, including emissions linked to Gaza and the war in Ukraine.

Laura added: 'Extinction Rebellion fights for a future where investments protect life instead of fueling war and ecological collapse. It's time to rebel for life and take back our present and future.'