Italy Takes Action Against Youth Unrest in Milan

In a quick reaction to recent unrest reminiscent of events in France, the government led by Giorgia Meloni has enacted a decree that allows police and prosecutors to take action against rioters, including those under 18.

During an emergency meeting of the Council of Ministers in Rome on Tuesday, Meloni introduced a series of new powers aimed at addressing the multicultural unrest that erupted in Milan over the weekend. This unrest resulted in over a hundred arrests, alongside reports of looting, arson, and assaults on law enforcement.

According to Prime Minister Meloni, while there were already plans to create legislation targeting youth offenders, the new “decree on juvenile security and crime” facilitates immediate enforcement. Italian public wire service ANSA reported on this development.

She stated, “The footage from Milan and other cities over the weekend—looted shops, shattered windows, and assaulted officers—was shocking. These scenes are unacceptable and cannot be rationalized in any way. This is why we’ve introduced enhanced measures today to prevent and combat this violence.”

One significant aspect of the decree is the establishment of a new crime regarding violent participation in protests. If an individual joins a demonstration of five or more people where items like stones or firecrackers are employed in ways that threaten public safety, they could face up to five years in prison and fines reaching €20,000 (around $22,500). The penalties increase for those using masks or causing injuries and destruction.

Meloni also pointed out a provision requiring that those who vandalize public or private property must pay for the damages. If damage occurs to public property, such as bus shelters or traffic lights, a payment order will be issued. For damage to private property, like shop windows or vehicles, the damaged party can seek a court injunction.

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio elaborated that the decree presumes minors over 14 can understand the consequences of their involvement in public violence, which seems quite significant. Additionally, a new offense was introduced for promoting violent demonstrations through electronic means, carrying a potential prison sentence of four to twelve years.

Alongside these legal revisions, the government has also decided to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan to aid local police in preventing further disturbances.

The unrest that prompted these measures led to significant injuries among police, with around 200 officers hurt during confrontations with protesters. Over 270 individuals were arrested, including around 220 minors, many from migrant backgrounds.

On Tuesday, 11 minors were also placed under house arrest for their alleged roles in the riots and subsequent looting.

Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini, leader of the League party, expressed support for the changes to the criminal code, asserting: “Those who misbehave should be held accountable. Someone who vandalizes a shop or attacks staff isn’t being revolutionary; they’re just acting foolishly.” He added his party would advocate for further measures to strengthen governmental authority, proposing that criminals from migrant backgrounds could face loss of citizenship or residency, and minors could be denied citizenship in cases of drug dealing, looting, or vandalism.