Italy: Activists to stage large march in central Rome on Feb. 19 to memorialize Alexei Navalny

Various activist organizations, including Italy's major political parties, plan to stage a candlelight procession in central Rome on Feb. 19. The purpose of the event is to memorialize the recently deceased Russian oppositionist Alexei Navalny. Participants will assemble at 18:30 in the city's Piazza del Campidoglio; organizers have not released the specific route that the procession will follow. The event will probably draw very large crowds.

Authorities will almost certainly deploy an increased police presence to monitor and facilitate the demonstration. Ground transport disruptions are likely along roads near the procession route. The event will probably remain largely peaceful, although some minor security disturbances cannot be ruled out.