Italy creates protest violence offence punishable by five years in prison

The Italian government has created an offence of violent participation in a demonstration, punishable by up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros, ANG reports. The security decree was announced on Tuesday 20 October after violence at student demonstrations in Milan.

The penalty applies to people taking part in a group of at least five and throwing objects such as stones or explosive devices. It may be increased if the offender’s face is covered or if someone is injured. The decree also provides that parents or guardians may be required to pay for damage caused by minors to public or private property.

The text also changes the rules for young people aged 14 to 18: they are now presumed to have the capacity to understand their actions, unless proven otherwise. The age of criminal responsibility remains 18, but young people can face juvenile justice from the age of 14. Pre-trial detention may also be imposed on minors considered to pose a risk, for a maximum of 24 hours.

The government has decided to send 500 additional soldiers to Milan until the end of the year. The Confederation of Commerce estimates that looting and vandalism over the last weekend caused one million euros in damage. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni described the violence as unjustifiable and said 330 people had been arrested across the country between Saturday and Sunday, according to ANG.

The violence in Milan had already led to more than 200 arrests, according to figures published on 19 October. The new decree follows these arrests after violence over the cost of living in Milan.