Italy on high alert as protests erupt in Rome, Turin, Bologna, and Florence

Protests erupted across Italy on Saturday, with cities on high alert and police conducting preventive searches and detentions, leading to clashes in Rome, Turin, Bologna, and Florence. The demonstrations, largely driven by youth against rearmament, saw police use water cannons and tear gas after objects were thrown. In Rome, 43 young people were taken to the police station for possessing balaclavas and masks, while some protesters entered the Colosseum. Clashes occurred when a march attempted to reach institutional buildings, prompting police charges. In Turin, protesters threw rockets and bottles, and in Florence, tensions rose as police blocked access to luxury shopping streets. Authorities have identified Youssef Siher, a 30-year-old of Moroccan origin, as the alleged mastermind behind the Instagram page 'Movimento 17 ottobre' and placed him under investigation for aggravated incitement to commit crimes. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi vowed firmness against violent protesters, while over 150 searches were conducted nationwide following last weekend's unrest.