Overview
- The Unione Sindacale di Base led a general strike on Friday with demonstrations in about 50 cities drawing workers, students, port workers and social movements to protests against the cost of living and increased military spending.
- The Interior Ministry ordered an 'articolato dispositivo' of reinforced policing that includes local bans on face coverings and helmets, intelligence monitoring, controlled access in key transport and tourist hubs, and plans to isolate violent actors to keep marches peaceful.
- A Milan gip ordered the release of Youssef Siher after finding his messages advocated civil disobedience rather than incitement to violence, a ruling that prompted a sharp public attack from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and a firm rebuttal from Milan judicial leaders and the national magistrates association.
- The government is using recent enforcement data—thousands identified, hundreds taken in for checks and a small number arrested—to justify tougher measures already in a security decree that adds preventive detention for minors, parental financial liability and a crime for violent participation in demonstrations.
- The protests are raising immediate risks for merchants and commuters who have shut shops or face limited services and they deepen a political fight that could shape future policing laws, court rulings and how quickly authorities move to limit rapid social-media mobilization.