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Italian police have arrested nine people and briefly detained 371 others during protests across the country on Saturday, despite a sweeping security crackdown following violent clashes last weekend.
According to AFP, the detainees included 110 minors who were taken to police stations in eight cities as clashes broke out at some demonstrations. Security forces were deployed in large numbers to prevent further violence.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing government approved tougher security measures this week. Police also carried out dozens of searches and arrests before the protests.
In Milan, several thousand people marched through the city, bringing central traffic to a standstill. A similar number gathered in Rome, where some people briefly broke into the Colosseum. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi praised the police response, saying officers had “managed to isolate and contain the violent fringes, with balance and professionalism,” according to Italian news agency ANSA.
“In Italy there can be no room for those who delude themselves that they can act with impunity,” he said.
In Milan, some shops closed early while others boarded up their windows after looting broke out last weekend. However, some businesses remained open after city mayor Giuseppe Sala urged residents and shop owners not to panic.
“We want to give the message that we are not scared by these kids,” said Alessandro Buhne, 30, who works at the Philipp Plein menswear shop.
“Tourists are scared of this situation so we want to give the signal that you are safe if you enter our store,” he added.
Following last weekend’s violence in Milan, the government deployed 500 soldiers to the city. It also approved a decree easing detention rules for minors and imposing fines on parents for damage caused by their children during demonstrations.
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Police also announced the arrest of a 30-year-old man suspected of leading the “October 17 Movement”, a group that had called for the protests. Student groups have criticised the government’s response to the demonstrations. They have urged officials to address people’s demands, including calls to reduce military spending and redirect funds towards education.
The protests form part of a wider wave of demonstrations by students, truck drivers and farmers over the rising cost of living, including housing and fuel prices. In response to rising fuel costs linked to the Middle East war, the government approved financial measures this week to support businesses affected by higher energy prices.
Meanwhile, truck blockades that had paralysed parts of southern Italy have been lifted. The disruptions had caused severe fuel and food shortages for about a week.
