Milan Security: Italy Deploys 500 Soldiers Ahead of Eight-City Rallies

Police conducted 150 raids across the Lombardy region on Saturday morning while 500 soldiers were stationed in Milan. The military deployment targets the financial hub ahead of new demonstrations planned for eight Italian cities this Saturday.

The rallies were organized by the October 17 Movement, a coalition formed recently with student groups, unions, and antiwar organizations. The group announced the events online, stating on Instagram that they distrust the current government because they view it as authoritarian.

Security measures increased after last Sunday's protests in Milan turned into clashes and looting. Of the 271 people detained that day, 220 were under the age of 18. Lawyer Michele D'Agostino, who represents two of the arrested demonstrators, noted that one 15-year-old did not understand the protest's goals and had only seen it on TikTok.

Authorities have begun investigating the digital organizers. Police are questioning the administrator of the movement's Instagram page, a 30-year-old Italian-Moroccan freelance journalist. The Corriere della Sera reported that he is under investigation for inciting crimes. The public prosecutor has blamed social media for driving young people into what he called insurrectional acts.

Organizers are keeping the specific meeting points secret until Saturday afternoon to prevent pre-emptive policing. A participant identified as E told the movement that protesters must remain peaceful to avoid giving police an excuse to charge. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio told Sky TG24 that the country needs to expand youth detention capacity in response to the high number of minor arrests.

The government also responded to a separate economic protest earlier this week. Truck drivers blocked roads in southern Italy over rising fuel prices, leaving markets without supplies for days. In response, the government granted tax breaks and created a special fund for farmers and fishermen on Thursday.