Soldiers guard Milan as protests sweep European cities

Thousands of young people marched Saturday in Milan, Rome, Turin, and other European cities, with authorities deploying police and soldiers to prevent a repeat of last week's violent clashes and looting in Italy. The Milan demonstration remained peaceful, though brief clashes occurred in Rome and Turin. Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni sent 500 additional soldiers to Milan and announced tougher penalties for minors, who police said comprised much of last week's violence. Luxury boutiques boarded up windows as a precaution. Protests also occurred in Madrid, Lisbon, and Tirana, addressing issues from education and corruption to housing and pensions. In Albania, riot police used water cannons on protesters who set government buildings on fire. Italian officials are investigating a freelance journalist as the alleged mastermind of the Oct. 17 movement driving recent protests.