Italy Deploys Heavy Security for Protests in Rome, Milan
Italian security forces are deploying heavily across eight cities, including Rome and Milan, on Saturday for planned protests following violent demonstrations last weekend. Authorities are using drones and helicopters to monitor the events. The protests stem from student, truck driver, and farmer unrest over budget cuts and rising living costs, including housing and fuel prices. Rome police aim to safeguard free expression while enforcing the law, and Milan is adding extra soldiers to patrol the city center. The "October 17 Movement" has called for protests at 1300 GMT, with locations revealed only 30 minutes beforehand. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has adopted a security decree easing detention rules for minors and introducing a crime of "violent participation in a demonstration."