[ZERO] Italy's cabinet approved an emergency decree-law on Oct. 20 in response to the weekend riots in Milan, ANSA reported. The eight-article text creates a new offense of violent participation in demonstrations, extends preventive detention to minors aged 16 and over, and sends 500 more soldiers to Milan through Dec. 31 at a cost of €4.7 million.
Parents of minors who commit violence at demonstrations face fines of €500 to €1,000, and the fine doubles for a repeat. It applies even when the minor is too young to be prosecuted. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said that if a minor is responsible for the damage, the parents should pay, and she asked all political forces to side with legality.
The new crime covers anyone who uses sticks or clubs or throws objects at a protest in a way that endangers people. It carries two to five years in prison and a fine of up to €20,000, with a higher penalty for a covered face or damage to public infrastructure or utilities. Anyone who organizes or promotes groups for violent demonstrations, including through online tools, faces four to 12 years.
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