The Italian government has decided to send 500 soldiers to Milan, following protests against the rising cost of living that have degenerated into clashes between demonstrators and law enforcement, resulting in injuries, vandalism, and looting, reports IPN.
According to The Guardian, the executive in Rome intends to approve new security measures in the near future, including the extension of preventive arrest for minors, stricter measures against youth groups, and restrictions on the participation in public gatherings of individuals considered a threat to public order.
During the violence of the past few days, the Milan police detained over 270 people, after protesters set fire to trash bins, looted stores, and smashed windows, including near the Duomo cathedral. Of the people detained, 32 were arrested, including 23 minors and 13 foreign citizens.
Several luxury stores in Milan have temporarily suspended their activities in anticipation of potential new incidents, and some have even withdrawn their products from display windows as a precautionary measure.
Violent incidents have also been reported in other cities in northern Italy, including Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo, and Turin. According to the police, 28 people have been arrested in these cities.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that organizing demonstrations is a fundamental right, but she strongly condemned acts of violence. According to her, extremists take advantage of protests to cause chaos and attack law enforcement forces.
