Protests expected in Rome, Milan under heavy security

Security forces are beefing up their presence in Italy for planned protests in eight cities, including Rome and Milan, following some violent demonstrations last weekend. These protests are driven by student, truck driver, and farmer demonstrations, with concerns over budget cuts and the cost of living, such as housing and fuel prices.

Rome’s police force announced they will "saturate both physical and virtual territory" and employ drones and helicopters to monitor demonstrations. The police emphasized their commitment to protecting the right to express dissent while adhering to the law. In Milan, additional soldiers will be patrolling the city center following last weekend's protests, but Mayor Giuseppe Sala denied any plans to shut down the city.

A group known as the "October 17 Movement" has called for protests at 1300 GMT in eight Italian cities, with three protests in each city converging at a specific location. Meanwhile, an anti-war movement called the "Anti-imperialist Axis" has organized a rally in Rome. The right-wing government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has recently introduced a security decree that loosens detention rules for minors, creates a new crime for violent demonstration participation, and imposes fines on parents for damages caused by minors during protests.

Police have conducted numerous raids on individuals suspected of looting and rioting during the recent protests.

The government has also approved measures to support truck drivers and fishermen grappling with the rise in fuel prices. Most truck blockades that had crippled southern Italy for days, causing fuel and food shortages, have now been dissolved.