Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi has called for an investigation into police in the city of Brescia after allegations that seven climate activists were forced to remove their underwear during interviews.
The activists were among 22 people taken to Brescia police station on Monday after officers stopped a protest held outside the Leonardo factory.
Activists have alleged that they were subjected to degrading treatment at the hands of police officers.
The women said this was only required of female detainees, the Guardian reported.
The activists were held for about seven hours before being charged with the criminal offense of the announced protest.
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Brescia police said the searches were carried out by female officers and that they were checked for any dangerous objects. They denied allegations of degrading treatment.
Police accused the activists of "undermining public order and security."
