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Italy approves security decree following Milan unrest
The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, has approved a new security decree in response to violent cost-of-living protests that swept through northern cities, including Milan. The measures, known as the ‘decreto Cortei’, introduce a new offense for violent participation in demonstrations. Individuals acting in groups of five or more who use dangerous objects like stones or fireworks to endanger public safety face up to five years in prison and fines of up to €20,000. Penalties may increase if participants conceal their faces or cause injuries.
The decree also implements stricter measures regarding minors. For adolescents aged 14 to 17, the law presumes the capacity to understand their actions unless proven otherwise, and expands the use of preventive detention. Additionally, parents will be held financially liable for damages caused by their children during acts of vandalism or looting.
To bolster public order, the government has ordered the deployment of 500 soldiers to Milan through the end of 2026 to reinforce security at sensitive locations and key sites. This follows recent incidents where groups of mainly young people looted shops and clashed with law enforcement.
Entities
Antonio Tajani · Bologna · CGIL · Foot Locker · Giorgia Meloni · Giuseppe Sala · Guido Crosetto · Italia in Piazza · Italian Government · Italy · Matteo Lepore · Matteo Salvini
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 3 SOURCES] Protesters threw stones, paper bombs, and smoke bombs at police in Milan.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Scuffles broke out between protesters during the demonstration in Turin.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Clashes occurred between young protesters and law enforcement in Bologna.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Approximately 2,000 people participated in the Milan march.
- [● 5 SOURCES] The organization 'Italia in Piazza' convened the protests. www.ilnotiziario.net
- [● 2 SOURCES] The Milan march initially saw more than 5,000 participants.
- [● 7 SOURCES] Riot police conducted charges to disperse crowds in Milan. www.ilnotiziario.net
- [● 3 SOURCES] Protesters are demonstrating against the high cost of living, fuel prices, and low wages.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Violent protests occurred in Bologna near the train station, involving the use of tear gas and water cannons.
- [● 6 SOURCES] Clashes in Milan involved the throwing of stones and objects at police forces. www.ilnotiziario.net
- [● 5 SOURCES] Hundreds of youths, many wearing black and face coverings, took control of parts of the procession in Milan. www.ilnotiziario.net
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Witnesses described the scene outside Milan Duomo as a war zone due to violent clashes. www.ilnotiziario.net