Italian police carried out more than 150 searches across Milan and 20 other cities on Saturday as part of an investigation into violent clashes during demonstrations the previous weekend, according to Italian news agency ANSA.
The operation, concentrated largely in the northern Lombardy region, targeted individuals suspected of involvement in disturbances during protests held on October 17.
Citing judicial sources, ANSA reported that the investigation intensified after authorities discovered a suspicious chat message on the mobile phone of a young person allegedly involved in the clashes.
Those subjected to searches included university students, secondary school pupils and minors. Most reportedly had no previous criminal records.
The police operation coincided with preparations for another round of demonstrations, with dozens of protests expected in cities across the country on Saturday.
The October 17 Movement, which has been involved in organising the demonstrations, said it would disclose the final protest locations and assembly points shortly before the gatherings began.
Authorities increased security arrangements in several major cities amid concerns about possible further disturbances.
Businesses Board Up Windows in Major Cities
In Bologna, several businesses in the city centre installed wooden panels over their shopfronts as a precaution against potential damage.
Similar measures were taken in Turin, where retailers along prominent shopping streets began covering their windows. Some businesses also announced that they would temporarily suspend operations.
In Milan, police maintained a substantial presence in the city centre, particularly around Piazza Duomo, the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II and Corso Vittorio Emanuele II.
Officers from the police and Carabinieri conducted identity checks, while military personnel were also deployed as part of the heightened security arrangements.
Although most shops remained open, several retailers protected their windows with wooden panels, while others planned to close earlier than usual.
In Florence, luxury boutiques and jewellery stores in the historic city centre also installed protective coverings ahead of the anticipated demonstrations.
The precautionary measures reflected concerns among businesses and authorities about a possible recurrence of the clashes witnessed during the previous weekend’s protests.
Police investigations into the earlier disturbances remained ongoing as security forces prepared for the latest demonstrations.