Premier Giorgia Meloni announced new security measures Tuesday aimed at curbing the kind of violent protests that led to significant damage in Milan's central shopping district. Weekend riots saw demonstrators looting stores and setting fire to property, with many participants identified as minors.
A government decree will deploy an additional 500 soldiers to Milan through the end of the year. It also introduces measures requiring parents to pay for damages caused by their underage children and eases prosecution for minors over 14.
Meloni described the presence of so many young rioters as "painful and frightening," adding that the behavior of smashing, stealing, and filming themselves doing so must be addressed to prevent it from becoming an imitable model. "This is a phenomenon that we must address seriously," she stated.
The decree establishes a new criminal offense for violent participation in a demonstration, carrying a penalty of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros ($22,500). Penalties are enhanced if offenders conceal their identities or if injuries occur.
Protesters will be held responsible for property damage, with parents legally liable for damages committed by minors. The decree also automatically presumes individuals over age 14 are capable of understanding their actions, overturning the previous requirement for judicial determination.
Authorities reported that police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters on Saturday, many of whom had their faces covered. Looting and violence continued into Sunday, with over 100 police officers injured across the two days. Milan police stated that approximately 2,000 youths participated in Saturday's riots, including a notable number of young people with foreign backgrounds and foreign nationals. Of the roughly 50 individuals arrested, more than 30 were minors.
The unrest occurred concurrently with nationwide demonstrations in France concerning the rising cost of living and high school student grievances. French police also employed tear gas and water cannons against violent protesters during those rallies.
The decree must be converted into law by Italy's parliament within 60 days. Meloni also indicated that the government plans to increase the number of beds in detention facilities and add judges to the juvenile justice system.