Protests expected in Rome, Milan under heavy security

Security forces in Italy are preparing for a series of protests scheduled for Saturday in eight major cities, including Rome and Milan. The demonstrations are the result of ongoing student, truck driver, and farmer protests against budget cuts and rising costs of living, such as housing and fuel prices.

Rome's police force has announced they will "saturate both physical and virtual territory" and utilize drones and helicopters to monitor the events. They stress their commitment to upholding the right to express dissent while adhering to the law. In Milan, additional soldiers will patrol the city center, but Mayor Giuseppe Sala has ruled out any plans to close down the city. He encouraged residents to remain calm and urged shops to stay open, as last weekend's protests led to looting in some boutiques.

A group called the "Oct 17 Movement" has organized protests across Italy, with three simultaneous demonstrations in each city converging at a specific location. Meanwhile, an anti-war movement known as the "Anti-imperialist Axis" is also planning a rally in Rome. Italy's hard-right government has recently enacted a security decree that relaxes detention rules for minors, introduces a new offense for violent participation in demonstrations, and imposes fines on parents for damages caused by their children during protests.

Police have conducted numerous raids targeting those suspected of looting and rioting during the previous weekend's demonstrations. The government has also implemented measures to support truck drivers and fishermen affected by the surge in fuel prices. Most of the truck blockades that had crippled southern Italy have since been lifted.