Italy to Deploy 500 More Soldiers to Milan and Toughen Penalties After Riots
Italy's government has adopted a decree sending 500 extra soldiers to Milan and imposing tougher penalties for violent protest, after weekend riots in the city centre involving many minors.
Italy announced new security measures on Tuesday after violent riots in central Milan, where young people, many of them minors, looted shops and set property on fire over the weekend. A government decree provides for 500 additional soldiers to be sent to Milan until the end of the year and tightens liability for damage caused during protests.
In a video posted on social media, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the large number of young rioters as "painful and frightening". She said youths came to the square to smash things, steal and film themselves, and that the phenomenon must be tackled seriously so such images do not become a model for others.
What the decree says
The decree creates a new criminal offence of violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros. Penalties rise if offenders cover their faces or if someone is injured.
Protesters will have to pay for property damage, and parents will be liable for damage caused by their children who are minors. Anyone over 14 will automatically be presumed capable of understanding their actions unless proven otherwise; previously, a judge decided this case by case. Meloni also said the government would add detention places and more judges to the juvenile justice system. Parliament must convert the decree into law within 60 days.
What happened in Milan
On Saturday, rioters, many with their faces covered, clashed with police in central Milan, looted shops and set property alight. Police used water cannon and tear gas. Violence continued on Sunday, and authorities say more than 100 police officers were injured over the two days.
Milan police said 2,000 young people took part in the riots on Saturday night, including many naturalised Italians born to foreign parents, as well as foreign nationals. Of about 50 people arrested over the weekend, more than 30 are minors.
The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighbouring France against rising living costs and in support of high school students' grievances. French police also used tear gas and water cannon on violent protesters there.
