(ANSA) - Rome, December 18 - Interior Minister and Deputy Premier Angelino Alfano met top security officials early on Wednesday amid fears of violence at a big protest in Rome by the so-called Pitchfork Movement later in the day. The Pitchfork Movement is a loose-knit network originally composed of truckers and farmers opposed to austerity-driven tax hikes that has since grown into an umbrella group for the country's disgruntled, anti-government masses. Protests have snarled traffic and interrupted commerce in various cities throughout Italy for over a week. Numerous probes have been open across Italy into incidents of looting, destruction of private property, and other acts of aggression.
Alfano meets security officials before Pitchfork protest
Fears of violence at demonstration in Rome
![(foto: ANSA)](/webimages/img_457x/2013/12/18/d83b09897f282345f9cc59a62488bc7b.jpg)