After protests against the rising cost of living turned into clashes with police, looting and property damage in several northern cities over the weekend, the Italian government approved a new package of measures to prevent violence.
The cabinet led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni decided to send an additional 500 soldiers to Milan and create a new criminal offense for violent participation in demonstrations. The measures include tougher penalties for acts of violence, as well as the possibility of parents being held financially liable when their children are involved in vandalism or looting.
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People who join a group of at least five individuals that endangers public safety during protests may be sentenced to up to five years in prison and fined up to 20,000 euros. The punishment may be more severe if protesters cover their faces or cause injuries.
Authorities will be able to demand that the damage caused be compensated immediately. If minors are responsible for the damage, payment may be sought from their parents.
The package also expands police powers to intervene against minors. Young people aged 14 to 17 may be detained even when they have not committed a criminal offense, if there is evidence that they pose a danger.
According to Italy’s Ministry of Defense, the soldiers will be deployed to increase security at key locations, monitor sensitive areas and step up checks.
However, the government did not grant the soldiers police powers. The idea had been considered earlier but, according to Italian media, was opposed by President Sergio Mattarella.
Over the weekend, protests took place in several cities in northern Italy, including Milan. There, groups consisting mainly of young people looted shops, smashed windows and clashed with police. The causes of the discontent are rising fuel and energy prices, high rents, low wages and problems with public services.
After the government meeting, Meloni defended the decisions and said that destruction and theft could not be presented as a form of protest.
“Destruction and theft are not protest, but crime, and the state’s response must be firm,” Meloni wrote in a social media post.
