500 Italian Troops Deployed to Milan Ahead of Protests

Huge numbers of soldiers have moved into Milan as the city prepares for more demonstrations this Saturday. The Italian government sent 500 troops to its financial hub before anticipated unrest could escalate. This follows last weekend's events where protests in Milan turned into violent clashes with police and looting.

Protests are scheduled across eight cities on Saturday. They target Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government and the rising cost of living. A new group calling itself the 'October 17 Movement' announced these actions online. This group has driven many demonstrations alongside student federations, grassroots trade unions, and antiwar coalitions.

The movement posted a message on Instagram. "Those who deny our future are truly violent," it said. It added that they distrust this government because they see it as authoritarian. However, the organization also stated that most people planning to demonstrate wanted to voice their dissent peacefully. One participant identified only as E told reporters, "We must be peaceful. If we give [the police] an excuse, they will charge against us." Another member identified as Q insisted there is no distinction between violent actors and peaceful protesters.

Police have taken aggressive steps in response to the looting. On Friday, officers carried out raids and searches in several cities against suspects from last weekend's riots. Saturday morning saw another 150 raids conducted in the northern region of Lombardy. The Italian news agency Adnkronos reported on these actions. Meanwhile, police confirmed to Al Jazeera that they located and are questioning the administrator of the group's Instagram page. Corriere della Sera identified him as a 30-year-old Italian-Moroccan freelance journalist and researcher. He faces investigation on suspicion of "inciting crimes."

The location of Saturday's demonstration remains secret until the last minute. Three meeting points were expected to be announced on social media accounts by Saturday afternoon. Most of those arrested on Sunday were very young. Of the 271 people taken into custody, 220 were under the age of 18. Some joined after being unexpectedly added to a Telegram group. One arrestee said, "They said that they would raise chaos and we could take a lot of goods."

Lawyer Michele D'Agostino is defending two demonstrators aged 21 and 15. He explained that the youngest one did not even know the reasons behind the protest. "He had just seen it on TikTok and decided to check it out with a friend," D'Agostino told Al Jazeera. The lawyer noted his client was not among the looters but failed to realize the seriousness of the situation. The public prosecutor blames social media for misleading young people into taking part in what he described as "insurrectional acts."

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio addressed Sky TG24 about the mass arrests. He stated there is a need to "expand the capacity of our youth detention facilities" in response to the surge in minors being detained. Earlier this week, truck drivers blocked roads in southern Italy to protest soaring fuel prices. These roadblocks left many markets without supplies for days. On Thursday, the government offered relief by granting tax breaks and establishing a special fund for farmers and fishermen.