Italy: Expected protests in 8 cities amid heavy security deployment

Eight Italian cities, including Rome and Milan, are preparing for protests on Saturday against budget cuts and rising living costs, amid heavy security deployment, following violence and looting witnessed in demonstrations during last weekend. A group calling itself the 'October 17 Movement' called for protests in eight cities at 4 PM Jerusalem time. According to the group, three marches are planned in each city, converging at a single location announced only half an hour before the protests begin. In the capital Rome, police announced preparations to secure the demonstrations through a wide deployment of forces and the use of drones and helicopters for surveillance, along with monitoring activity in cyberspace. Police emphasized that the measures aim to ensure the right to freedom of expression and protest while maintaining security and adherence to the law. In Milan, additional patrols were decided upon with the participation of army forces, which were sent following the violence in the city last week. The mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, stated there is no plan to shut down the city, explaining that authorities will strengthen their security presence to avoid a repeat of last week's events. Sala called on shop owners to continue their business as usual.