Italian soldiers guard Milan as protests sweep European cities

Thousands of young people marched Saturday in several Italian cities, including Milan, Rome and Turin, as authorities deployed police and soldiers to prevent a repeat of last week's violent clashes and looting. The Milan demonstration remained peaceful, though brief clashes occurred in Rome and Turin. Premier Giorgia Meloni sent 500 additional soldiers to Milan and announced tougher penalties for minors, who police said comprised much of last week's violent protesters. Police detained several minors preventively. Protests also occurred in Madrid, Lisbon and Tirana, covering issues from education and corruption to housing and pensions. In Milan, protesters dumped manure outside Italy's energy regulator and burned a symbolic electricity bill. Authorities investigated a freelance journalist as the alleged "mastermind" of the Oct. 17 movement driving recent protests.