Thousands march across Italy under heavy security after earlier unrest

Thousands of people marched in Milan, Rome and Turin on Saturday as Italian authorities deployed soldiers and police to prevent a repeat of the violence and looting that followed demonstrations the previous weekend.

The Milan march remained largely peaceful, while brief clashes occurred in Rome and Turin. Police said nine people were arrested and 371 others, including 110 minors, were briefly detained across eight cities. In Rome, some protesters briefly entered the Colosseum.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government sent an additional 500 soldiers to Milan, supplementing personnel already stationed there and about 5,000 police and other security officers. Authorities also used drones, railway-station checks, rapid-response units and online monitoring. Many luxury retailers boarded their windows, though most shops had reopened by late afternoon.

The government had approved stricter security measures during the week, including eased detention rules for minors and fines for parents whose children cause damage during demonstrations. Police also arrested a 30-year-old man suspected of being behind the “October 17 Movement,” which had called for the protests.

The demonstrations involved students and other groups protesting issues including housing, fuel prices, education and military spending. Student organizations have criticized the government’s public-order response and called for military spending to be redirected toward education. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said police had isolated and contained violent groups.