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In a video posted on social media, Premier Giorgia Meloni said
the presence of so many young rioters was “painful and
frightening.”
“Young people … came to the square to smash things, steal and
film themselves doing it,” Meloni said. “This is a phenomenon
that we must address seriously, also to prevent those images
from becoming a model for others to imitate.”
The decree also creates a new criminal offense of violent
participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years
in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros ($22,500). Penalties
increase if offenders cover their faces or someone is injured.
Protesters will be responsible for paying for property damage,
with parents liable for damage caused by minors, Meloni said.
The decree, which must be converted to law by parliament within
60 days, also automatically presumes that anyone over age 14 is
capable of understanding their own actions, unless proven
otherwise. That until now was up to a judge to determine.
Meloni also said the government would add new beds to detention
facilities and judges to the juvenile justice system.
Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters, many
with their faces covered, who clashed with police, looted stores
and set property on fire in central Milan on Saturday. Looting
and violence continued on Sunday, with authorities saying more
than 100 police officers were injured over two days.
Milan police said 2,000 youths participated in the riots
Saturday night, including a large presence of naturalized
Italians born to foreign parents as well as foreign nationals.
Of the roughly 50 people arrested over the weekend, more than 30
are minors.
The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in
neighboring France against rising living costs and in support of
high school students’ grievances. French police used tear gas
and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined the
rallies.
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