Milan saw two consecutive nights of unrest over the weekend, with officials estimating about €1 million in damage. Protesters threw stones and looted supermarkets. Police responded with tear gas and water cannons and arrested 32 people. Shops reopened on Tuesday as the government announced measures dealing with the violence.
Among the measures is a new criminal offense of violent participation in a demonstration. Offenders can face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the penalty increases if a protester’s face is covered, if someone is injured, or if a group of protesters vandalizes property.
Protesters, or the parents of protesters who are minors, will have to pay for damage they are responsible for. Minors can now be subject to preventative detention, a measure previously reserved for adults. Meloni said an 11-year-old was among the youngest protesters identified in Milan.
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said people who use social media to organize violent protests could face up to 12 years in prison. Meloni also said 500 additional military personnel will be deployed to Milan through the end of the year to support law enforcement, and that more places will be opened in juvenile detention centers.