Italy Braces for Protests in Eight Cities With Heavy Security

Italian authorities deployed heavy security Saturday ahead of planned protests in eight cities, including Rome and Milan, following violent demonstrations last weekend. Students, truck drivers, and farmers are protesting budget cuts and living costs like housing and fuel prices. Rome police announced intensive coverage of the field and digital space using drones and helicopters, aiming to protect free expression while enforcing the law. Milan will receive additional army patrols, though Mayor Giuseppe Sala said there is no plan to close the city, encouraging shops to stay open after looting occurred. A group called "October 17 Movement" organized the protests, planning three gatherings per city that will converge at undisclosed locations revealed only 30 minutes beforehand. The government approved a security decree creating a new crime of "violent participation in demonstrations" and imposing fines on parents for damage caused by minors.