On the eve of another heated weekend for public order, searches have been launched in 18 cities: around a hundred people identified in last week's street riots have been targeted, half of them minors . This preventive action by the Interior Ministry comes just hours before marches scheduled across Italy and the surprise protests launched by the newly formed October 17 Movement, which has made its voice heard again on social media, completely changing its plans and announcing that it will reveal the exact locations of its demonstrations at the last minute .
This uncertainty further complicates the work of those responsible for maintaining public order and preventing potential disturbances. Police searches began at dawn in various areas of the country: from Arezzo to Bari, from Bergamo to Bologna and Naples. They seized cell phones, computers, airsoft guns, ammunition, knives, telescopic truncheons, knuckledusters, clubs, and nightsticks, as well as gasoline cans, balaclavas, and items stolen from shops during looting .
"The veil, or several veils, have begun to be lifted over this phenomenon," Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi assured, without however revealing any possible mastermind behind the riots. However, the Interior Minister emphasized, "there was certainly coordination among the protagonists of these raids."
And while investigations continue to identify other key figures in the recent riots, a "large group" of young people has been identified in Bari, "ready to attack and loot" shops in the city center , following the events of last weekend in Milan. According to Piantedosi, these attacks were planned for this afternoon against luxury boutiques and electronics stores. They are suspected of inciting a crime aimed at devastation and looting, with the intent of terrorism, and possession of weapons, ammunition, and explosives.
Investigators and police are on high alert ahead of tomorrow. Alerts are on from Rome to Milan, via Turin. Police headquarters have finalized security plans. Not only are city centers and the routes of the announced marches under surveillance, but the virtual world is also being monitored to intercept any potential raids .
The newly formed October 17 Movement, the protagonist of the Milanese protests, has announced that the squares scheduled for tomorrow have been "cancelled." "They will no longer be the places indicated in our appeals," they say, but "we will not give up on taking to the streets: we will change the way we do it." They explain that at 2:30 PM sharp, in each city they will announce "three gatherings"; an hour later, they will announce "the final square," which will be reached by the procession from various points: they will be "three rivers converging."
"The laws didn't stop us, the armored vehicles won't," the movement assures. These 'surprise' actions will therefore complement pre-announced marches against rearmament and protests launched by opposing groups in various cities .
Police Chief Vittorio Pisani poured cold water on the situation, stressing in an interview with Sky TG24: "We are not the protesters' opponents, we are not the citizens' opponents. Indeed, we are the ones who must guarantee the exercise of fundamental freedoms and rights."
(Unioneonline)
