Italy on High Alert for October 25 Protests Across Major Cities

Italy braces for protests on Saturday, October 25, with cities on high alert after last weekend's urban guerrilla violence in Milan. The "Movimento 17 ottobre" has cancelled announced rallies, promising to reveal new gathering spots via social media instead. The group will announce three locations per city at 2:30 PM, urging supporters to gather in groups, then direct them to a central square for a march at 3:30 PM. Police have conducted searches in 18 cities, and in Bari minors were questioned over alleged planned store lootings. Milan will deploy 500 extra soldiers, with checkpoints at train stations. Rome, Turin, Bologna, Genoa, Florence, Padua, and Bari are also preparing for both authorized demonstrations and unannounced social media gatherings, with authorities monitoring potential unrest.