Italy introduces up to 5 years’ jail for riots on October 20

Italy approved a raft of security measures on Tuesday including a new offence of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting. The October 20, 2026 decree takes immediate effect.

The decree follows weekend unrest in northern Italian cities, including Milan, the country’s financial centre, where groups made up largely of young people smashed windows, looted shops and attacked police.

Announcing the measures on social media, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni argued that vandalism and stealing were not revolutionary acts. “Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality,” she said.

Italy expands riot penalties and youth detention powers

Italy’s new offence applies to people who participate in groups of at least five and endanger public safety during demonstrations. Those convicted face up to five years in prison and fines of up to €20,000 (US$22,460), with higher penalties when faces are concealed or people are injured.

Italian authorities can order prompt compensation for damage, with parents responsible for paying when the offenders are minors.

Police may also detain young people aged 14–17 who have not committed an offence, provided there is evidence that they pose a danger. The power previously applied only to adults.

Milan to receive 500 troops as further protests approach

The Italian government plans to deploy 500 soldiers alongside police in Milan until the end of 2026. Authorities fear further unrest at demonstrations planned for Saturday (October 24).

Italy’s Defence Ministry said the troops would strengthen security at key sites, increase surveillance of sensitive locations and improve monitoring across the area.

France also experienced some of its worst unrest in years during demonstrations involving hundreds of thousands of people on Saturday (October 17), paralleling the disturbances in northern Italy.

Economic grievances add pressure on Meloni

Protesters in northern and southern Italy say rising prices are driving families into poverty, adding to the pressure on Meloni before national elections due in 2027.

In southern Italy, a separate protest by truck drivers over sharply rising diesel prices and living costs has blocked roads, disrupted supply chains and forced some pasta producers to halt production.

Agricultural groups have warned that fruit and vegetables could rot because of the transport disruption. Italy’s government has promised further assistance for road hauliers following discussions with industry representatives.

Meloni has introduced successive security crackdowns since taking office in 2022, but critics argue that tougher sanctions do little to tackle the underlying causes of crime and disorder.

Italy’s prison population has grown by more than 17%, equivalent to almost 10,000 people, over four years, according to government data.

Meloni acknowledged the difficulties of finding work, inadequate wages and a lack of future prospects, but insisted that “hardship must never be used as an excuse for violence”.