Following two days of intense rioting in Milan, the Italian government has approved a new decree aimed at curbing violent demonstrations. The measures include the immediate deployment of 500 additional soldiers to the city through the end of the year. Premier Giorgia Meloni, addressing the unrest, described the behavior of the young participants as “painful and frightening,” noting that many individuals were seen smashing property and stealing while filming themselves for social media. Meloni emphasized the need to address this phenomenon decisively to prevent such images from becoming a template for others to copy.
The government’s new policy establishes a specific criminal offense for violent participation in a demonstration, which carries a potential sentence of up to five years in prison and fines reaching 20,000 euros, or approximately $22,500. These penalties are subject to increases if the offenders conceal their faces or if any injuries occur during the event. Furthermore, the decree mandates that protesters will be held responsible for property damage, with liability extending to parents when minors are involved.
Under the new rules, the legal system will automatically presume that anyone over the age of 14 is capable of understanding the consequences of their actions, a determination previously left to the discretion of a judge. The government also plans to expand the juvenile justice system by hiring more judges and increasing the capacity of detention facilities. To become permanent law, the decree must be approved by the Italian parliament within 60 days.
The weekend riots in central Milan saw approximately 2,000 youths clash with law enforcement, resulting in looted stores and numerous fires. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds, many of whom had their faces covered. Authorities reported that more than 100 police officers sustained injuries during the two-day period. Of the roughly 50 individuals arrested, more than 30 are minors. Milan police noted that the participants included both foreign nationals and naturalized Italians born to foreign parents. This unrest occurred during a period of nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France, where protesters were rallying against rising living costs and supporting high school students' grievances.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters, many with their faces covered, who clashed with police, looted stores and set property on fire in central Milan on Saturday. Looting and violence continued on Sunday, with authorities saying more than 100 police officers were injured over two days.
Related Articles
Meet Md. Rubel Rana
As a core contributor to Worlddincidents.com, Rubel Rana brings a unique perspective to the world of journalism. Whether it’s deep-diving into historical trivia or covering the latest global headlines, Rubel Rana is committed to delivering high-quality, high-impact articles. Their writing blends meticulous research with a compelling voice, helping readers stay informed and curious about the world around them.