Meloni announces strict penalties for violent protests in Italy

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has announced a new decree to combat violent unrest and vandalism in northern Italian cities, including Milan. The measures aim to prevent and punish acts of violence during demonstrations.

Under the new criminal law, individuals joining groups of five or more to throw stones, fireworks, or sticks during a protest face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 20,000 euros. Penalties increase if participants wear masks or cause injury. The decree also allows for the pre-trial detention of minors, a measure previously reserved for adults, provided the state can prove the minor understood their actions.

Additionally, the government is implementing a ‘who damages, pays’ principle, ensuring that those responsible for destruction are held financially accountable for the repairs.