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Italian authorities deployed significant security forces to suppress planned protests across major cities, effectively neutralizing the movement by identifying its leadership. While some demonstrations occurred, the government's zero-tolerance approach and the failure of organizers to communicate locations led to a quiet day of protest.
Why it matters
The event highlights increasing tensions between European governments and citizens over the cost-of-living crisis, as well as the use of preemptive security measures to curb civil unrest.
Sarah Rainsford Southern Europe correspondent, in Milan
A major security operation including the deployment of 100s of soldiers alongside police prevented protesters gathering for most of the day in Milan .
It was part of the government’s zero tolerance response after violent scenes in the city last week when some demonstrators set fires, smashed windows and looted shops.
There were protests today elsewhere in Italy , including skirmishes with police in Bologna , where water cannons were used, and Turin where protesters also burned a picture of the prime minister.
But early this afternoon a man described as the 'brains' behind the 17 October Movement (M1710) which had called today's protests was identified and taken in for questioning by police.
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