Following looting in Milan and violent incidents on the streets of several cities, the Italian government has approved a new decree tightening measures against people involved in violence during demonstrations.
The package contains eight articles and creates the criminal offense of “Organized Violence at Public Demonstrations.” It also expands preventive detention, imposes harsher penalties on minors and sends 500 additional military personnel to Milan.
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Under the decree, using batons or throwing objects during protests when the safety of others is put at risk may be punishable by two to five years in prison. A fine of up to 20,000 euros may also be imposed.
Penalties increase when those involved have their faces covered or when violent acts cause damage to infrastructure and public services.
Organizing or promoting groups that seek to incite violent demonstrations, including online and through electronic means, may be punishable by four to 12 years in prison.
Preventive detention measures will also apply to people who endanger safety in places where large crowds gather. They may also be applied to minors aged 16 and over.
The decree also expands the circumstances in which people caught in the act may be arrested. Meanwhile, a separate bill provides for criminal liability for minors over the age of 14, without requiring a specific assessment of their mental capacity at the time of the offense.
Parents of minors who commit acts of violence during demonstrations may be fined between 500 and 1,000 euros. The amount doubles for repeat offenses, even if the parents are not criminally liable.
Police authorities will be able to disperse groups of minors if five or more people behave threateningly in public spaces or places open to the public.
Preventive measures may also be imposed on people who, during the past five years, have committed certain offenses involving violence or property damage, subject to the conditions set out in the new provisions.
An additional 500 military personnel will be deployed in Milan immediately and will remain there until December 31. The cost of this deployment is 4.7 million euros.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, said the military personnel would support public security authorities in patrolling the area and maintaining order.
Their duties and how they will be deployed will be determined by the Provincial Committee for Public Order and Security in Milan, where the use of additional resources will be discussed, Piantedosi said.
The government aims to strengthen public safety and prevent a recurrence of violence during protests through the new package.
