Italy boosts security for Milan Cortina Olympics and enacts decree on protests

Italy has deployed thousands of security personnel for the Milan–Cortina Winter Olympics and the government approved a decree allowing police to detain suspected agitators for up to 12 hours, a move criticised by opposition lawmakers.

Italy has increased security and approved a decree ahead of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics opening ceremony. Authorities say personnel are being stationed across venues that span Milan and mountain clusters. The cabinet-approved decree introduces stricter measures aimed at countering violent protests and took immediate effect on publication. Opposition lawmakers have criticised the measure as limiting freedom of expression and fresh demonstrations were planned around the opening. Key details: - Italian authorities said about 6,000 security personnel will be deployed across Olympic sites during the Games. - The government decree allows police to detain people for up to 12 hours when there are reasonable grounds to believe they may act as agitators. - Opposition lawmakers described the decree as a restriction on freedom of expression; the government holds a parliamentary majority and the decree is expected to be ratified before the 60-day deadline. - Officials reported foiling a series of Russian-linked cyberattacks on ministry and Olympics-related websites, and international agencies including Interpol and Europol are cooperating on security. Summary: Italian officials report stepped-up security measures as the Games open and the decree governing responses to violent protest is now in force. The opening ceremony was scheduled for Friday evening, and the decree is due for parliamentary ratification within the statutory timeline; its longer-term effects are undetermined at this time.