Italian media Rai News reported on October 21st that the Meo government plans to dispatch 500 soldiers to protect Milan after a serious riot broke out in the city.
According to multiple foreign media reports, the direct trigger for this increase in troops was violent protests and riots that occurred in Milan and other Italian cities last weekend. The protests initially targeted issues such as high living costs, but later turned into conflicts with the police, store robberies, and vandalism. According to authorities, about 2,000 teenagers, mostly wearing black clothes, attacked shops, smashed windows, and damaged street facilities in downtown Milan on Sunday.
Italian Interior Minister Matteo Pinotti announced this increase in troops after a 20-member cabinet meeting. At the same time, the government led by Italian Prime Minister Giovanna Meloni passed a package of measures to address youth violence and violent protests.
The planned measures include expanding the police’s authority to detain minors. Additionally, for property damage offenses committed jointly, if arrest cannot be carried out on the spot, suspects can be arrested afterwards. Individuals involved in violent or serious destructive acts may also be subject to a ban from gathering.
This package of measures also stipulates increased penalties for those who organize violent acts in public activities. If five or more people carry dangerous items and commit violence, posing a specific threat to others, they can be sentenced to two to five years in prison. In addition, there are plans to impose heavier punishments for acts involving wearing masks, as well as attacks on transportation infrastructure and public supply facilities.
Those who form groups through digital communication methods to carry out violent acts or organize violent demonstrations can be sentenced to four to twelve years in prison. In addition, sanctions are planned for the parents of juvenile offenders.
Previously, several violent clashes occurred during this protest against high living costs. According to police, 271 teenagers were detained and 32 people were arrested, among whom 23 were minors. Additionally, 28 individuals were transferred to judicial authorities.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on the 17th that the perpetrators of the violence were "scalpers who used the demonstration to create chaos, attacked security personnel, and turned the entire city into a hostage situation." She wrote on X: "Demonstration is a right, but setting fire to our city and causing bloodshed is not a right."
