Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan as Europe braces for protests

Italy has deployed 500 additional soldiers to Milan ahead of planned protests on Saturday, following last week's riots that involved looting and clashes with police in the city center. Premier Giorgia Meloni also announced tougher penalties for minors, who police say comprised a large portion of the violent demonstrators. The soldiers will support about 5,000 police officers, with authorities using drone surveillance, railway checks, and online monitoring to prevent a repeat of violence. Last weekend, rioters targeted stores selling sneakers and sporting goods near the Duomo square, leading to 45 arrests, including 34 minors. Protests are scheduled across Europe, including in Rome, Lisbon, Madrid, and Albania's capital, driven by issues ranging from housing costs to education and anti-government sentiment. Milan officials expressed concern about unrest spreading beyond the city center, while police unions noted soldiers lack specialized training for crowd control.