Italy Criminalizes Violent Participation in Demonstrations

MILAN, Italy — The Council of Ministers in Italy has created new measures to prevent and combat violence in demonstrations after the recent riots in Milan and other cities in Northern Italy during the weekend.

In a video statement, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said a violent participation in a demonstration is now a criminal offense.

“We have all seen the images of the violence that shocked Milan and other Italian cities over the weekend: looted shops, destroyed storefronts, attacked law enforcement officers. These are unacceptable scenes that no one should downplay or justify. That is why the Council of Ministers today approved a decree with new measures to prevent and combat this violence,” Meloni said on Tuesday, October 20, 2026.

Specifically, if a group of five or more people during a march or demonstration, throw stones, firecrackers, or sticks, and endanger the safety of everyone, you risk up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros.

If you had your face covered or someone was injured, the penalty increases. The penalties for those who cause destruction within the group will also be increased.

Meloni said preventive detention can now be applied to minors as well.

This regulation is in Parliament but will take effect immediately with Tuesday's decree.

"With this measure, we are applying a simple principle: Whoever destroys something pays—and if a minor destroys something, their parents pay."

For damage to public property such as bus stop, traffic light, police vehicle, the prefect sends a payment order home.

For damage to private property like storefront, shop, and car, the owner goes to the judge and receives an immediately enforceable payment order.

“I want to make this clear: No political idea, no social discontent, and no opposition to the government can justify the destruction of a shop to take away goods. Destroying and stealing is not a form of protest; it is criminality. The state's response must be decisive.

Moreover, 500 more soldiers will be deployed to Milan by the end of the year, and the number of judges as well as the places in juvenile detention facilities will be reinforced.