Anti-government protests in Milan... Approximately 1,000 military and police personnel, including airborne troops, deployed

While anti-government protests are scheduled across Europe to protest against the rising cost of living, a rally scheduled for the 24th (local time) was also held in Italy.

According to local media outlet Il Giorno, about 200 demonstrators began an anti-government protest in front of the Piccolo Theater in Milan at around 4 p.m. on this day.

Protesters marched through the streets chanting “We are all anti-fascists.” They continued their peaceful protest, shouting at the police and soldiers deployed at the scene, “We do not want conflict.”

Palestinian flags and pickets reading "The future is ours" were seen in the protest procession.

No acts of violence or looting were reported.

On this day, 1,400 military and police personnel, including 500 troops from the Folgore Airborne Brigade, were deployed to Milan. They checked citizens in crowded Piazza del Duomo and subway stations. A helicopter also appeared above Duomo Square.

Some stores in Milan were closed all day or closed early at 3 p.m. Some stores installed protective barriers on their windows and entrances in preparation for violent incidents. According to a survey by Conpesercenti, the Italian merchant association, about 70% of stores responded that they would open for normal business that day.

Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said on this day, "We will respond very firmly to any incidents of violence," and warned violent protesters, "It is better to think before you act."

Italian investigative authorities are investigating a group called the '17 October Movement', which is suspected of inciting violent protests last weekend. Italian public broadcaster Rai reported that Milan police identified a person believed to have opened the '17 October Movement' social media account.

In Rome, about 20 people wearing face coverings or masks were identified during police checks and taken to the police station.