Protest and repression in Italy : Italy’s major cities were flooded with people on Saturday 24 October, protesting against the rising cost of living, public funding for weapons and war, and disinvestment in healthcare and education. Some of the demonstrations were formally authorised, and others were autonomous. While there was no reported looting, clashes with the police occurred in Bologna, Turin, and Rome. The police attempted to disperse protesters using water cannons, batons and tear gas. Milan appeared as if under military siege. State forces were not only police and Carabinieri but also army soldiers, including 500 paratroopers from the Folgore Brigade , while dozens of military vehicles and vans were visible throughout the streets. Around 2,900 people were stopped and identified for preventive purposes, often based on racial profiling . Following the protests on 17 October, when some young people looted shops in Milan, the government and mainstream media instrum...