Italy Deploys Heavy Security for Protests That Turn Out Peaceful

Italy deployed massive security forces for Saturday protests that turned out modest and largely peaceful, following a major crackdown after violent clashes last weekend. Nine people were arrested and 371 briefly detained, including 110 minors, police said. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's far-right government approved strict security reforms this week after the violence, which resembled protests in France. Police conducted dozens of searches and arrests before the rallies. About 3,000 people marched in Milan, paralyzing traffic, while a similar number gathered in Rome near the Colosseum and Termini station. The protests involve students, truckers, and farmers opposing budget cuts and rising living costs. Student groups criticized the security response. Separately, about 1,000 youths from Meloni's party-linked movements held a peaceful counter-rally in Rome, condemning the previous violence and calling for order.