Italy sends troops to Milan and toughens penalties after riots
Italy unveiled tougher security rules after weekend riots in Milan injured more than 100 police officers and led to looting. The government will send 500 additional soldiers to the city through December and impose stricter penalties on violent demonstrators. Parents may be held financially responsible for damage caused by minors, and a new offence carries up to five years in prison.
The decree adds 500 troops in Milan until year-end and makes parents financially liable for minors’ damage. It also simplifies prosecution of people over 14 and creates a charge for violent protest, carrying as much as five years’ imprisonment and a €20,000 fine, with higher penalties for masked offenders or injuries.
Parliament must turn the decree into law within 60 days. Officials also plan more juvenile detention beds and judges. During the weekend unrest, about 2,000 young people rioted Saturday; roughly 50 arrests followed, over 30 involving minors, and more than 100 officers were hurt.
The measures could affect minors and their families through financial liability and faster prosecution, while added troops may reassure shopkeepers and residents but could heighten tensions in public spaces. Expanded juvenile capacity and judges may ease case backlogs, though enforcement costs and impacts on protest participation remain uncertain.