In response to the recent outbreaks of violence in Milan, the Italian government has approved a new decree aimed at curbing civil unrest. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced the measures following a weekend of riots in the city center, during which protesters clashed with law enforcement, looted local businesses, and ignited fires. Authorities reported that more than 100 police officers sustained injuries over the two-day period.
As part of the government's response, an additional 500 soldiers will be deployed to Milan through the end of the year. The decree also establishes a new criminal offense specifically for violent participation in demonstrations, which carries a penalty of up to five years in prison and fines reaching 20,000 euros ($22,500). These penalties are set to increase if an offender hides their identity or if an injury occurs during the event.
Addressing the conduct of youth participants, Meloni described the riots as “painful and frightening,” noting that many young individuals attended the protests specifically to cause damage, steal, and document their actions on social media. She emphasized the need to prevent such behaviors from becoming a model for others. Consequently, the new rules mandate that protesters must pay for property damage, with parents held legally liable for the actions of their minor children.
The decree further streamlines the prosecution of minors over the age of 14, establishing an automatic presumption that they are capable of understanding the consequences of their actions unless proven otherwise—a determination previously left to judges. To support these changes, the government plans to expand detention facility capacity and increase the number of judges within the juvenile justice system. Milan police noted that of the approximately 50 individuals arrested over the weekend, more than 30 were minors, and the unrest involved a significant number of foreign nationals and naturalized Italians. The decree must now be converted into law by parliament within 60 days.
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.
The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France against rising living costs and in support of high school students’ grievances. French police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined the rallies.
