Italian government introduces strict new measures against protest violence

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new legislative decree aimed at curbing violent protests in Milan and other cities. The measures, effective immediately, establish a new crime for violent participation in demonstrations involving groups of five or more people. Offenders face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 20,000 euros. Penalties are set to increase if the perpetrator is disguised or if injuries occur during the unrest.

A significant aspect of the new policy includes holding parents financially liable for damages caused by minors. For public property destruction, prefects will issue payment notices, while private owners can seek court-ordered immediate compensation. Additionally, the government plans to deploy 500 soldiers to maintain order.

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio stated that recent events have led to a record number of arrests among minors, placing the juvenile correctional system under extreme pressure. To address this, the government is working to expand prison capacity and optimize resource allocation for detention facilities. The move follows a series of violent incidents in northern Italian cities, with officials emphasizing that while protest is a right, the destruction of urban areas will no longer be tolerated.