Italy on Tuesday announced new security measures aimed at addressing the type of violent protests that caused damage to Milan’s central business district as weekend rioters, many of them minors, looted stores and set property on fire. A government decree calls for the deployment of 500 additional soldiers in Milan until the end of the year, forcing parents to pay for damages caused by minors and facilitating the prosecution of minors under 14 years of age. In a video posted on social media, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the presence of so many young rioters was “painful and terrifying.” “The young people…came to the square to destroy things, steal and film themselves doing it,” Meloni said. “This is a phenomenon that we must seriously address, also to prevent those images from becoming a role model for others.” To display this YouTube content, you must enable ad tracking and audience measurement. OK Manage my options One of your browser extensions appears to be blocking the video player from loading. To view this content, you may need to disable it on this site. Top image: Protesters light flares during an anti-government protest organized by the Italia in Piazza movement, in Milan’s Piazza Duomo, on October 17, 2026. © Piero Cruciatti, AFP The decree also creates a new criminal offense of violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros ($22,500). Penalties increase if violators cover their faces or if someone is injured. Protesters will be responsible for paying for property damage, and parents will be responsible for damage caused by minors, Meloni said. The decree, which Parliament must pass into law within 60 days, also automatically assumes that anyone over the age of 14 is capable of understanding their own actions, unless proven otherwise. Previously that was up to a judge to determine. Meloni also said the government would add new beds to detention centers and judges to the juvenile justice system. To display this YouTube content, you must enable ad tracking and audience measurement. OK Manage my options One of your browser extensions appears to be blocking the video player from loading. To view this content, you may need to disable it on this site. Try Again Top image: Police clash with “Italia in Piazza” protesters in Milan, Italy, Saturday, Oct. 17, 2026. Stefano Porta/LaPresse via AP – Stefano Porta Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters, many of them with their faces covered, who clashed with police, looted stores and set property on fire in central Milan on Saturday. Looting and violence continued Sunday and authorities said more than 100 police officers were injured in two days. Milan police said 2,000 young people took part in Saturday night’s riots, including a large number of naturalized Italians born to foreign parents, as well as foreign citizens. Of the approximately 50 people arrested over the weekend, more than 30 are minors. The riots coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighboring France against rising costs of living and in support of high school students’ grievances. French police used tear gas and water cannon to disperse violent protesters who joined the demonstrations. (FRANCE 24 with AP)