Italy sends hundreds of soldiers to Milan for protest, one of many planned across Europe

Italy has deployed 500 soldiers to Milan in preparation for potential protests on Saturday. This comes one week after looting and clashes with police in the city. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced additional measures, including stricter penalties for minors involved in violent protests. The deployment of soldiers is in addition to the hundreds already present in Milan, supporting around 5,000 police and law enforcement personnel.

Authorities are utilizing drone surveillance, checks at railway stations, rapid-response units, and online monitoring to prevent violence. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed concerns about a repeat of the violence seen last weekend, where rioters targeted stores with sneakers, athletic wear, and sporting goods. Rioters last weekend broke into stores, with authorities reporting the involvement of about 2,000 young protesters, many of whom were naturalized Italians or second-generation residents.

Security measures will extend beyond the city center, as authorities fear protesters may move to other neighborhoods to avoid heavily policed areas.