World · Europe · 3 hrs ago
Milan luxury shops board up ahead of expected protests
Luxury shops in Milan are boarding up their windows ahead of protests expected on Saturday.
The move follows violent clashes last weekend during demonstrations against Italy’s government, high rents, low wages and rising living costs.
Shops were looted and damaged, and Italian media reported that 104 police officers were injured.
Organizers changed the planned gathering arrangements, with new meeting points due to be announced on Saturday, leaving the route unclear until shortly before the protest.
Italy has sent 500 extra soldiers to help police and Carabinieri secure the city, while authorities are also increasing checks at train stations.
The extra security reflects fears of clashes between protesters and groups mobilizing against suspected looters.
Milan’s mayor has urged businesses not to close in advance, and some boutiques may open behind their barriers.
Luxury shops on Milan’s Via Monte Napoleone were boarded up ahead of expected protests and possible violence on Saturday.
Workers fitted shopfronts with thick wooden and metal panels on Friday evening.
The precaution followed violent unrest the previous weekend, when shops were looted and windows smashed.
Authorities sent 500 additional soldiers to Milan to help police and Carabinieri secure the city centre.
Protest organizers changed the planned meeting arrangements, with new gathering places due to be announced on Saturday.
- Who
- Luxury shops in Milan are being boarded up; police, Carabinieri and 500 additional soldiers are due to help secure the city.
- What
- Shops are protecting their windows and entrances ahead of expected protests and possible violence.
- When
- Work was underway on Friday evening, ahead of protests planned for Saturday.
- Where
- Via Monte Napoleone and other parts of Milan, Italy.
- Why
- Shops fear a repeat of the previous weekend’s violent unrest, looting and damage.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Protests against the Italian government, high rents, low wages and rising living costs turned violent, with shops looted and windows smashed.
Workers boarded up luxury shopfronts in Milan ahead of expected protests.
Organizers were due to announce three new gathering places.
Organizers were due to announce where groups would meet for a joint march.
- Additional soldiers
- 500 Folgore paratroopers
- Police injuries
- 104 officers reportedly injured in the previous weekend’s unrest
- Original protest meeting time
- 15:00 at Milan Cathedral Square
- New gathering locations
- Three places to be announced at 14:30 on Saturday
- Joint march meeting point
- Due to be announced at 15:30 on Saturday
What people are saying
We will probably work all night. We were given the job of sealing everything up by Saturday.