# Italy Approves New Anti-Riot Laws After Milan Protests

> The Italian government introduced new measures to combat protest violence, including stricter penalties and parental liability for minors.

By PrimaryBrief newsroom · Published 2026-10-21T09:15:13.706214Z
Canonical: https://primarybrief.com/article/italy-approves-new-anti-riot-laws-after-milan-protests-ff98b479

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, approved new anti-riot laws on October 20, 2026, following violent protests, looting, and vandalism in northern cities like Milan [1][2]. The decree, which immediately took effect, introduces a new criminal offense for "violent participation in a demonstration" with potential penalties up to five years in prison and a €20,000 fine [2][7]. The government also announced the deployment of 500 additional army troops to Milan [1][14].

These new measures impose significant legal and financial consequences for individuals involved in protest-related damage, particularly affecting minors and their parents. The government's quick action shows a focus on controlling public disorder, which may change how public demonstrations unfold in Italy [2].

## What the Records Show

The decree, approved by the Italian government on October 20, 2026, creates a new criminal offense: "violent participation in a demonstration" [2][6]. Individuals found guilty of this offense face imprisonment for up to five years and a fine of €20,000 [2][7]. The new rules also make parents financially responsible for damages caused by their minor children during protests [2][17][20]. For minors aged 14 to 17, the decree makes detention easier, based on a presumption that they understand their actions [2][6][21]. The decree became effective at once, but the Italian parliament must convert it into law within 60 days [2]. Alongside these legal changes, 500 more army troops will deploy to Milan [1][14].

## Timeline

Violent protests, including looting and vandalism, took place in northern Italian cities, such as Milan, before the government's action [1][4]. In response to these events, the Italian government approved the new anti-riot laws on October 20, 2026 [1][2]. At the same time, the government announced the dispatch of 500 additional army troops to Milan to enhance security [1][14].

## What Changed

The new decree establishes more severe legal repercussions for those involved in violent protests. Previously, specific criminal penalties for "violent participation in a demonstration" were not defined in this way [2][6]. The introduction of parental financial liability for their children's actions during protests also marks a change in legal accountability [2][17][20]. The provisions allowing easier detention and the presumption of understanding for minors aged 14-17 represent a tightening of rules that affect young people participating in demonstrations [2][6].

## What the Prime Minister Has Said

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni commented on the protests, stating, "Demonstrating is a right, laying waste to our cities is not" [2]. This statement indicates the government's intention to differentiate between peaceful protest and acts of violence during public gatherings [2].

## What we could not confirm

We could not confirm any specific government plans to address underlying socioeconomic factors, such as rising cost of living and fuel prices, which critics argue contribute to the unrest [2]. We also could not confirm details regarding the operational plan for the 500 additional army troops deployed to Milan, beyond the initial announcement of their deployment [1][14].

## Evidence cited
1. Milan luxury shops close: Italy to deploy troops after youth protests (The Guardian) — https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/oct/20/milan-luxury-shops-close-italy-to-deploy-troops-youth-protests-europe
2. Italy approves sweeping security measures in response to protests (Al Jazeera) — https://www.aljazeera.com/news/2026/10/21/italy-approves-sweeping-security-measures-in-response-to-protests?traffic_source=rss
3. Italy deploys army and approves tougher anti-riot laws after violence (France 24) — https://www.france24.com/en/italy-deploys-army-and-approves-tougher-anti-riot-laws-after-violence
4. Italy Faces Parallel Protests in the North and South (www.nytimes.com) — https://www.nytimes.com/2026/10/19/world/europe/italy-protests-riots.html
5. News Report on Italian Anti-Riot Laws (StreetInsider.com) — https://streetinsider.com/dr/news.php?id=23891480
6. Minorenni, blocchi e cortei violenti: un decreto disegna la mappa delle nuove norme anti-sommossa (La Sicilia) — https://lasicilia.it/articolo/news/cronaca/minorenni-blocchi-e-cortei-violenti-un-decreto-disegna-la-mappa-delle-nuove-norme-anti-sommossa-1779268/
7. Italy's New Riot Laws: Jail and Huge Fines (JFeed.com) — https://jfeed.com/news/italys-new-riot-laws-jail-and-huge-fines/
8. Italy deploys army, approves tougher anti-riot laws after violence in Milan, other cities (IndiaBlooms) — https://indiablooms.com/world-details/E/38600/italy-deploys-army-approves-tougher-anti-riot-laws-after-violence-in-milan-other-cities.html
9. Italy approves new security measures (10TV.com) — https://10tv.com/article/news/national/italy-approves-new-security-measures/530-058a5f8b-f29e-4a6c-9ddc-4c4c798ce569
10. International News Article on Italian Measures (The Nation Thailand) — https://nationthailand.com/international/40034606
11. Italian government approves tougher security measures after weekend violence (Anadolu Agency) — https://www.aa.com.tr/en/europe/italian-government-approves-tougher-security-measures-after-weekend-violence/3028268
12. Italy approves security decree law targeting violent protests and minors (Wanted in Rome) — https://www.wantedinrome.com/news/italy-approves-security-decree-law-targeting-violent-protests-and-minors.html
13. Italy protests: Meloni security laws (The Washington Post) — https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/2026/10/20/italy-protests-meloni-security-laws/
14. Italy to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan after cost of living protests turn violent (Euronews) — https://www.euronews.com/2026/10/21/italy-to-deploy-500-soldiers-to-milan-after-cost-of-living-protests-turn-violent
15. Video on Italian Anti-Riot Laws (YouTube) — https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FqS0-u91Y-o
16. Italy to send 500 troops to Milan after violent clashes (CTV News) — https://www.ctvnews.ca/world/italy-to-send-500-troops-to-milan-after-violent-clashes-1.7061730
17. Italy's new anti-riot laws: jail, fines for parents and tougher rules for teenagers (Around Prague) — https://aroundprague.cz/news/italys-new-anti-riot-laws-jail-fines-for-parents-and-tougher-rules-for-teenagers
18. Italy announces new security measures after Milan riots, deploying 500 soldiers (Inkl.com) — https://www.inkl.com/news/italy-announces-new-security-measures-after-milan-riots-deploying-500-soldiers
19. Italy's Meloni approves tougher anti-riot laws after Milan violence (A News) — https://www.anews.com.tr/world/2026/10/20/italys-meloni-approves-tougher-anti-riot-laws-after-milan-violence
20. Parents liable for children's participation, 21 lakh fine for violence after Milan protests: Giorgia Meloni reads the riot act (Business Today) — https://www.businesstoday.in/latest/world/story/parents-liable-for-childrens-participation-21-lakh-fine-for-violence-after-milan-protests-giorgia-meloni-reads-the-riot-act-451557-2026-10-21
21. El gobierno italiano aprobará un decreto de seguridad que permitirá extender la detención preventiva a menores (Democrata.es) — https://democrata.es/el-gobierno-italiano-aprobara-un-decreto-de-seguridad-que-permitira-extender-la-detencion-preventiva-a-menores/