Italian government approves tougher security measures after weekend violence

By Giada Zampano

ROME (AA) - Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni’s government approved new security measures Tuesday that would create a criminal offense for violent participation in demonstrations and stiffen penalties for group violence, following unrest in Milan and other Italian cities, according to media reports.

The Cabinet-approved decree introduces the offense of "violent participation in a demonstration," with penalties of up to five years in prison and fines of up to €20,000 ($22,470).

"If during a march or demonstration you join a group of five or more people, start throwing stones, firecrackers or sticks, and endanger everyone’s safety, you risk up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros," Meloni said in a video after the Cabinet meeting.

Penalties would increase if offenders cover their faces or injure someone, she said. The measures also increase penalties for those who take part in group acts of destruction.

Meloni said the measures were a response to violence that erupted in Milan and other Italian cities during the weekend, where shops were looted, storefronts damaged and police officers attacked. She called it “unacceptable” and said they could not be minimized or justified.

The package also includes measures to extend preventive detention to minors and beyond 12 hours, allow delayed arrests of people accused of taking part in group property damage, and prohibit people considered a threat to public order from gathering.

The government also plans to strengthen the existing "Safe Streets" security operation, sending 500 additional soldiers to patrol Milan’s streets.

One sensitive point concerned an initial proposal to give soldiers judicial police functions. That was the only provision the Quirinale, the office of Italy’s President Sergio Mattarella, objected to during consultations between the presidency and the government ahead of the decree’s approval.

After addressing that issue, Mattarella appeared poised to clear the measure, according to Italian media.