Italy Protest Law: Meloni Tightens Penalties for Rioters and Parents

Italy’s government has passed a new security package that toughens penalties for violent protestors, enhances police powers involving minors, and holds parents financially liable for any damage caused by their underage children.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the measures on Tuesday, following a weekend of violent upheaval in Milan and other Italian towns. More than 100 police officers were injured, while shops, shopfronts, and property were looted and burnt in central Milan.

The new rules aim to strengthen the response to violence during demonstrations. The package also includes changes to juvenile justice and plans to increase security resources in Milan.

Italy Protest Law Introduces Harsher Punishments for Violence

According to the new order, persons who participate in a group of five or more and perform violent activities that endanger public safety risk up to five years in prison and a $22,500 fine.

When offenders disguise their faces or cause harm to others, the penalties may be increased. The order also calls for harsher penalties for people involved in vandalism conducted by groups.

Meloni defended the measures following the weekend’s violence, claiming that financial difficulties and political conflicts do not excuse attacks on companies or public property.

“”Vandalising and theft are hardly revolutionary acts. Vandalism and theft are criminal acts, not forms of protest,” she stated.

The prime minister also emphasised the consequences of such acts for store owners, workers, and nearby communities. She stated that damaged businesses might jeopardise jobs and make people feel uncomfortable in their communities.

Another significant difference is that the package allows parents to be held financially liable if their underage children cause damage to public or private properties.

Authorities may demand compensation for damage to public assets such as traffic lights, bus shelters, and police vehicles. Owners of private property, such as stores and cars, can also seek compensation through the courts.

Meloni stated that the premise underlying the legislation was simple: individuals responsible for the damage should pay for it, with parents footing the expense if the offender is a juvenile.

Italy Protest Law Expands Police Powers Over Minors

The decree expands authorities’ preventive arrest powers over adolescents aged 14 to 17 in instances involving potential risks to public order. Previously, these powers were limited to adults.

Another section sets a presumption that people aged 14 and up can understand their acts, unless evidence indicates otherwise. The measure aims to make it simpler to prosecute youngsters accused of crimes.

Meloni was concerned about young people partaking in violent confrontations and filming their acts. She stated that the government ought to take the behaviour seriously rather than allowing it to become an example for others to follow.

The government is also thinking about further security measures. It plans to deploy 500 extra soldiers in Milan by the end of the year and expand capacity at juvenile detention centers. More judges will be recruited to hear cases involving young criminals.

The decree takes effect immediately, but it must be approved by the Italian parliament and enacted into law within sixty days.

The changes are part of Meloni’s broader law-and-order agenda, which has included harsher penalties for a number of infractions since she entered office in 2022. The upcoming parliamentary process will determine if the new security package becomes law within the timeframe specified.