Soldiers deployed to Milan as protests sweep European cities

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 25 Oct, 00:02 · Archive

Soldiers have been deployed to Milan as thousands of protesters marched through the Italian city on Saturday, one week after violence and looting.

Soldiers were deployed to Milan on Saturday as thousands of protesters marched through the Italian fashion and finance capital. The deployment came one week after violent clashes with police and looting in the city. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced additional security measures, including sending 500 extra soldiers to Milan and introducing tougher penalties for minors, who police said made up a large part of the violent protesters in the previous week.

Luxury boutiques in Milan's fashion district, including Omega, Tiffany and Gucci, were boarded up ahead of the march. Rioters the previous weekend had smashed their way into stores targeting sneakers, athletic wear and sporting goods on streets near the city's central Duomo square. Milan Mayor Giuseppe Sala expressed concern about a repeat of violence and supported the soldier deployment.

Security measures included drone surveillance, checks at railway stations and online monitoring for potential calls to violence. The 500 newly deployed soldiers came in addition to hundreds already stationed in the city, supporting approximately 5,000 police and other security personnel. Large protests also occurred across multiple European cities on Saturday, including Madrid, Lisbon and Tirana, encompassing issues from education and corruption to anti-war movements, pensions and housing.

How it is being reported

• Soldiers guard center of Milan as thousands of protesters march across European citiesPittsburgh Post-Gazette · 24 Oct, 19:49
• Soldiers guard center of Milan as thousands of protesters march across European citiesMILAN — Soldiers spread out in Milan and luxury boutiques were boarded up as thousands of protesters marched in the Italian fashion and finance capital on Saturday, one week after looting and clashes with police.TribLIVE · 24 Oct, 18:23

In this story: Milan · Giorgia Meloni · Italy · Madrid · Lisbon · Tirana · Giuseppe Sala

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