Italy Enacts New Security Law After Milan Riots, Toughening Penalties for Violent Protests

Italy's government, led by Premier Giorgia Meloni, enacted a new security decree-law on Tuesday, October 20, 2026, establishing a criminal offense for "violent participation in a demonstration" that carries penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000[1][6][8]. These measures, effective immediately, followed a weekend of violent protests across Milan and other northern Italian cities where over 100 police officers were injured[1][6][13]. Milan police reported approximately 2,000 youths participated in the riots on Saturday night, leading to about 50 arrests, with over 30 minors among them[13].

These new regulations immediately affect civil liberties, protest rights, and the legal framework for minors, introducing stricter measures for individuals involved in demonstrations and placing greater liability on parents for damages caused by their children[3][6][9]. Opposition parties, legal professionals, and human rights organizations have criticized the decree, arguing it risks undermining fundamental rights and democratic participation[1].

What the records show

The decree-law creates a new criminal offense for "violent participation in a demonstration," punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000 (approximately $22,500)[1][6][8]. Premier Meloni specified these penalties apply if individuals, in groups of five or more, throw objects like stones, firecrackers, or sticks, endangering public safety[8][6]. Penalties increase if offenders conceal their faces or inflict injuries[6][9]. The decree also holds protesters responsible for property damage, with parents financially liable for damages caused by their minor children[3][6][9].

For minors, the decree streamlines prosecution for those over 14, presuming their capacity to understand their actions without prior judicial determination[6][9]. Police can now detain youths aged 14 to 17 even without a committed crime if there is concrete evidence they pose a danger, extending a power previously for adults[5][8]. An additional 500 soldiers will be deployed to Milan until the end of 2026 to reinforce security and surveillance[3][6][8]. An initial proposal to grant these soldiers judicial police powers was removed following objections from Italian President Sergio Mattarella's office[3][8][12].

The timeline

Violent protests erupted across Milan and other northern Italian cities on October 17-18, 2026[2][6]. Groups, many comprising young individuals and minors, engaged in looting, vandalism, arson, and clashes with police[2][6]. Milan police reported 2,000 youths participated in the riots on Saturday night, leading to approximately 50 arrests, including over 30 minors[13]. More than 100 police officers were injured during the two days of unrest[13]. The protests were fueled by anger over escalating fuel and energy prices, high rents, low wages, and the state of public services[12]. In response, the Italian government approved and implemented the new security decree-law on Tuesday, October 20, 2026[1][6][8].

What changed and for whom

For those participating in demonstrations, the decree creates a new criminal offense with heightened penalties, including potential prison time and significant fines for violent actions[1][6][8]. Protesters are now directly accountable for property damage, with their parents held financially liable if the damage is caused by minors[3][6][9]. For minors aged 14 and over, the legal process for prosecution is streamlined, automatically assuming capacity to understand their actions[6][9]. Police also gained expanded authority to detain youths aged 14 to 17 if they are deemed a danger, even without a prior crime[5][8]. The city of Milan will see an increased security presence with the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers through the end of the year[3][6][8].

What the subject has said publicly

Premier Giorgia Meloni described the involvement of many young rioters as "painful and frightening"[6][9]. She stated, "Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality," emphasizing that such actions are "unacceptable"[4][8]. Meloni also asserted that "hardship must never be used as an excuse for violence"[7]. Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini welcomed the deployment of soldiers as a "political victory"[11].

What we could not confirm

PrimaryBrief could not confirm the specific number of new detention facility beds that will be added or the precise number of additional juvenile justice judges to be appointed. The exact details and full legal implications of measures to extend preventive detention for minors beyond 12 hours remained unclear in the provided records[8][5].