Italy approves tougher security measures after weekend violence

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government approved new security measures on Tuesday following weekend unrest in Milan and other Italian cities, according to Anadolu Agency.

The Cabinet-approved decree would make “violent participation in a demonstration” a criminal offense, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000 ($22,470).

“If during a march or demonstration you join a group of five or more people, start throwing stones, firecrackers or sticks, and endanger everyone’s safety, you risk up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros,” Meloni said in a video after the Cabinet meeting.

Penalties would be higher if offenders cover their faces or injure someone, she said. The measures would also increase penalties for participation in group acts of destruction.

Meloni said the package was a response to violence in Milan and other Italian cities over the weekend, when shops were looted, storefronts damaged and police officers attacked. She called the violence “unacceptable” and said it could not be minimized or justified.

The package would also extend preventive detention to minors and beyond 12 hours, allow delayed arrests of people accused of taking part in group property damage, and ban people considered a threat to public order from gathering.

The government also plans to reinforce its existing “Safe Streets” security operation by sending 500 additional soldiers to patrol Milan.

One disputed provision in an initial proposal would have given soldiers judicial police functions. The office of Italian President Sergio Mattarella objected to that provision during consultations with the government ahead of the decree’s approval.

After the issue was addressed, Mattarella appeared ready to clear the measure, according to Italian media.