The authorities in the American city of Chicago have removed a statue of explorer Christopher Columbus.

Mayor Lori Lightfoot had the monument in Grant Park removed after protests by activists got out of hand, local media reports.

Activists hold Columbus responsible for the oppression of the continent’s indigenous people.

Demonstrations near the statue, which had been in the city park since 1933, had injured 49 police officers and four demonstrators a week ago.

Not all Chicago residents are happy with the council’s decision. According to NBC Chicago, the head of an organization for Americans of Italian descent, the JCCIA, calls the explorer from Genoa a symbol of hope.

“I can guarantee that Italian Americans are not happy with this.”