Brief
Italy deploys 500 soldiers to Milan after weekend riots
A decree adds 500 troops, new penalties for violent protest and parental liability for damage caused by minors.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Italy announced new security measures on Tuesday, including the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers to Milan through the end of the year, after weekend riots that saw looting, fires and injuries to police.
What happened
On Saturday night, around 2,000 youths took part in violent protests in Milan’s central shopping district, looting stores and setting property ablaze. Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowd, and more than 100 officers were reported injured over the two‑day unrest. Roughly 50 people were arrested, with over 30 of them minors.
What the reports add
France 24 reported that the government decree also makes parents financially liable for damage caused by minors and creates a new criminal offence for violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a €20,000 fine. The decree presumes anyone over 14 can understand their actions unless proven otherwise, shifting the burden from judges to the state.
What was said
Premier Giorgia Meloni said in a video posted on social media that the presence of many young rioters was “painful and frightening” and warned that the images of the violence could become a model for others to imitate.
How it came about
The riots coincided with nationwide demonstrations in France over rising living costs and support for high‑school students’ grievances. Earlier Felo coverage linked the unrest to a hybrid‑war narrative presented by Defence Minister Guido Crosetto and noted Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini’s announcement of the troop deployment.
Key facts
- Italy will deploy 500 additional soldiers to Milan until year‑end (france24.com)
- The decree creates a new offence for violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a €20,000 fine (france24.com)
- Parents will be liable for damage caused by minors under the new rules (france24.com)
- Over 100 police officers were injured during the two‑day riots (france24.com)
- More than 30 of the roughly 50 arrested individuals are minors (france24.com)
Sources
- [1] france24.com — originally reported as “Italy announces new security measures after Milan riots, deploying 500 soldiers”
