Meloni approves tougher anti-riot decree after Milan violence

Italy’s government on Tuesday approved a security decree after weekend unrest in Milan and other northern cities, creating a new offence of violent participation in demonstrations and making parents liable for damage caused by their children.

Anyone in a group of at least five endangering public safety at a protest faces up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000 (about $22,500), rising where faces are concealed or people injured. The decree takes immediate effect but must become law within 60 days, and lets authorities order prompt compensation — paid by parents when minors are responsible.

Police may now detain 14 to 17-year-olds deemed dangerous even without a crime — powers previously limited to adults — and over-14s are presumed capable of understanding their actions unless proven otherwise. The government also pledged more juvenile detention beds and judges, and will deploy 500 army troops with police in Milan through the end of 2026, the defence ministry said.

The move follows two days of violence in which gangs of mainly young people smashed storefronts, looted shops and attacked police, injuring more than 100 officers; some luxury retailers closed or removed stock, and further demonstrations are feared on Saturday.

“There is nothing revolutionary about vandalising and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality,” Meloni said. “Whoever breaks something pays, and if the person who breaks it is a minor, their parents pay.” Southern Italy is also seeing truck-driver roadblocks over soaring diesel prices.