Milan is preparing for another Saturday of protests, on October 24, following violent riots last weekend, when groups of young people attacked and looted several shops in the city center. Italian authorities have increased security measures, while 500 army paratroopers are expected to be deployed on the ground to support patrols and prevent new incidents.
Italian media report that the main concern of the authorities is the possibility that the young protesters will join radical groups and antagonistic movements, increasing the risk of clashes with the police. Investigators are also examining the possibility that organized groups are behind the episodes of violence, which may have coordinated their actions.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said that the checks and investigations carried out in recent days have helped uncover new elements about the riots. According to him, it remains to be verified whether these were spontaneous actions or whether one or several national networks are behind them.
As part of the investigation, police have conducted searches in several cities in Italy against around 100 people, including 51 minors, suspected of involvement in the events of October 17 and 18. During the operations, knives, sticks, ammunition, various weapons, camouflage clothing and items suspected of being stolen during the protests were seized.
Meanwhile, Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala has urged traders not to close their shops for fear of further unrest. He expressed hope that the demonstrations will take place without incident, stressing that authorities are prepared to deal with the situation.
Protest organizers have announced they will change the way they gather, saying the final meeting locations will be announced at the last minute. The move is expected to make it more difficult to predict the route and size of the demonstrations.
The presence of the army in the city has also opened a debate within the Italian government about the powers of the officers and the tools they can use during their engagement in the field. Defense Minister Guido Crosetto has called for more options for the soldiers, explaining that their powers remain limited and that they do not have the same powers as police forces.
