Italy’s government has approved a new decree introducing tougher penalties for people involved in violent protests, including prison sentences of up to five years, preventive restrictions on minors and financial liability for parents whose children cause damage.
The measures were approved at an extraordinary government meeting on Tuesday evening, following unrest and looting that have affected Milan and other Italian cities since Saturday.
The decree takes effect immediately but must receive parliamentary approval within 60 days to remain in force.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni presented the measures in a video posted on social media, arguing that the right to demonstrate cannot be used to justify destruction of property.
“Protesting is a right, but destroying our cities is not,” Meloni wrote on X.
Prison Sentences and Heavier Fines for Violent Demonstrations
Under the decree, people who join groups of at least five individuals during protests and throw stones, pyrotechnic devices or sticks could face prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €20,000.
Penalties will be more severe when protesters cover their faces or injure other people.
The measures also introduce tougher punishments for property destruction, looting and attacks on public buildings during demonstrations. They expand the circumstances in which suspects can be arrested even after an alleged offence has been committed.
Parents Could Be Held Financially Responsible for Damage
One of the decree’s key provisions concerns compensation for damage caused by minors. Parents will be required to pay for damage caused by their underage children, while victims will be able to seek compensation through expedited legal procedures.
The decree also introduces changes affecting minors aged 14 to 18. Under the new provisions, they will be presumed to understand their actions unless the contrary is demonstrated.
Preventive restrictions, which previously applied only to adults, may also be extended to minors in this age group.
Additional Security Personnel to Be Deployed in Milan
Meloni announced that 500 soldiers would be deployed to Milan by the end of the year to support police and Carabinieri forces.
The authorities also plan to increase the number of judges and expand institutional capacity for handling cases involving minors.
However, the government removed a provision that would have granted soldiers judicial police powers, including the authority to detain and arrest individuals.
Nearly 200 Police Officers Reportedly Injured
According to Meloni, nearly 200 police personnel have been injured during the unrest, while 330 people have been detained or arrested.
Material damage in Milan alone is estimated at approximately €1 million, according to figures from the business association Confcommercio.
The prime minister also said that the youngest person identified in connection with the Milan unrest was just 11 years old.
The demonstrations initially began peacefully, driven by dissatisfaction with public services and the rising cost of living, but later escalated into violence. Groups of young people wearing hooded clothing set fire to rubbish containers and looted shops.
