Italy deploys 500 troops to Milan, tighten security laws after riots

Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni announced new security measures aimed at cracking down on the violent protests that caused 1 million euros worth of damage to Milan central shopping district when rioters, many of them minors, looted stores and set fire to property over the weekend.

The government decree includes the deployment of an additional 500 soldiers to Milan through the end of the year, requiring parents to pay for damage caused by minors and making it easier to prosecutor minors over age 14, Meloni announced in a video posted on social media. The government decree also creates a new criminal offence called violent participation in a demonstration.

Offenders risk five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros, with penalties increased if faces are covered or if someone is injured. Participants also are responsible for paying for damaged property, and if the participant is a minor the parents must pay. If it belongs to the city or state, a bill will come from the prefect, Meloni said.

The new planned security measures, must be converted to law by parliament within 60 days.