Meloni makes Italian parents liable for children's vandalism after Milan riots: ‘Demonstrating is a right, devastating our cities is not’

The measures include tougher penalties for rioters, expanded preventive detention powers involving minors and financial liability for parents whose children engage in vandalism.

In a post on X, Meloni wrote, "Demonstrating is a right, devastating our cities is not. Here are the measures we have approved to counter violence and safeguard the safety of citizens."

Tougher penalties for rioters

Under the new rules, violent participation in demonstrations can attract prison sentences of up to five years and fines of up to €20,000.

Penalties may be higher in cases involving masked offenders or injuries, according to the measures outlined by the government.

Police powers extended to minors

The measures empower police to detain teenagers aged between 14 and 17 if authorities anticipate a risk of violence, even if they have not committed a crime.

Previously, such preventive powers applied only to adults.

The government has also announced plans to deploy 500 additional troops to Milan by the end of the year, increase the number of judges and expand youth detention capacity.

Protests turn violent in Milan

The stricter security measures follow a wave of protests against wars and the rising cost of living that escalated into violence in Milan and other northern Italian cities.

Although the demonstrations initially began peacefully, groups of masked individuals reportedly clashed with riot police, smashed shop windows, looted stores and set fires in central Milan.

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowds. The unrest also disrupted commercial activity, prompting some luxury stores to close as a precaution.

Authorities detained hundreds of people in connection with the violence, including minors, according to media reports.