Police conduct over 150 searches in Italy's Milan, 20 other cities ahead of protests

Italian police conducted more than 150 searches Saturday in Milan and 20 other cities, mainly in the Lombardy region, as part of an investigation into clashes during demonstrations last weekend, ANSA news agency reported.

The operation was launched after investigators discovered a suspicious chat message on the mobile phone of a young person allegedly involved in the clashes, judicial sources said.

Those targeted included university and high school students, as well as minors, most of whom reportedly had no previous criminal records.

Meanwhile, dozens of new demonstrations were expected across Italy on Saturday. The October 17 Movement said it would announce the final protest locations and gathering points at the last minute.

Authorities stepped up security measures in several major cities ahead of the planned demonstrations.

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Source of information: Global News Agencies including REUTERS / TASS / AFP / ANADOLU / INT.RU / Al Jazeera / CNN