Meloni announces tougher penalties for violent protests in Italy
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced tougher penalties for violent protests on Tuesday, including prison sentences of up to five years and fines of €20,000, following unrest in Milan and other cities.
The measures come after a weekend of clashes that saw shops looted, windows smashed and police officers attacked. More than 270 people were reportedly detained, while several officers sustained injuries.
“These are unacceptable scenes that no one could think of downplaying or justifying,” Meloni said, announcing the government's approval of a new security decree.
The decree introduces a criminal offence for violent participation in demonstrations, with increased penalties for rioting, vandalism, concealing one's identity and causing injuries.
Under the new rules, protesters who join groups of five or more people and throw stones, firecrackers or other dangerous objects could face up to five years in prison and fines of €20,000.
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Parents will also be held financially responsible for damage caused by their underage children.
The decree expands preventive detention powers to include minors aged 14 to 17 considered threats to public safety, even if they have not committed an offence.
The measures take effect immediately but require parliamentary approval within 60 days to remain in force.
The government also plans to deploy 500 additional soldiers alongside police in Milan until the end of the year, as debate grows over public security and the right to protest.
This story is written and edited by the Global South World team, you can contact us here.
