Italy faces debate over Meloni government's crackdown on juvenile crime

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is implementing stricter measures to punish juvenile offenders. Following the arrest of approximately 300 people in Milan on October 17, of whom 80% were minors, Meloni stated, “Whoever makes a mistake pays, even if they are an adolescent.”

Justice Minister Carlo Nordio is considering expanding juvenile penitentiary institutes and exploring whether sections of adult prisons could be used for minors. These proposals have drawn sharp criticism from civil rights groups and opposition politicians.

Susanna Marietti, national coordinator of Antigone, reported poor conditions in juvenile facilities, such as the Pratello prison in Bologna. Meanwhile, Valentina D'Orso of the Five Star Movement argued that the shift from re-education to repression is counterproductive and potentially unconstitutional, as the Italian Constitution emphasizes rehabilitation.