Italy deploys soldiers to Milan ahead of fresh protests

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 24 Oct, 12:02 · Archive

Italy has deployed 500 additional soldiers to Milan as the city prepares for protests a week after looting and riots.

Italy deployed 500 soldiers to Milan on Saturday as the city prepared for fresh protests, one week after rioting and looting that targeted shops selling sneakers, athletic wear and sporting goods on streets near the central Duomo square. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced measures including the military deployment and tougher penalties for minors, whom police said made up a large proportion of the violent protesters.

The soldiers supplement hundreds already stationed in Milan and will support about 5,000 police and law enforcement personnel. Authorities are conducting drone surveillance, railway station checks, rapid-response unit deployments and online monitoring for potential calls to violence. Security measures are extending beyond the city centre due to concerns that protesters could move into other neighbourhoods to avoid heavily policed areas.

Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala said he was concerned about violence recurring this weekend and backed the military deployment. Valter Mazzetti, secretary general of the Fsp police union, told the Associated Press that soldiers could provide immediate reinforcements, but noted that managing demonstrations requires specialised police training and that the deployment would not resolve police staffing shortages. Protests were scheduled across multiple European cities on Saturday, from Portugal to Albania.

How it is being reported

• Italy sends hundreds of soldiers to Milan for protest, one of many planned across EuropeItaly has deployed soldiers to Milan as the city braces for fresh protests following last week's riots.Clickorlando · 24 Oct, 11:27
• Italy sends hundreds of soldiers to Milan for protest, one of many planned across EuropeItaly has deployed soldiers to Milan as the city braces for fresh protests following last week's riots.News4Jax · 24 Oct, 11:27

In this story: Italy · Milan · Giorgia Meloni · Giuseppe Sala · Valter Mazzetti · Fsp

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