Italy approves new anti-riot laws after weekend violence

Italy's government approved new anti-riot measures Tuesday following violent protests last weekend, including a new crime of violent protest participation and stricter penalties for rioters. Parents face financial liability for children involved in vandalism, and minors as young as 14 can be detained. The executive, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, authorized deploying 500 additional soldiers to Milan after riots left nearly 200 officers injured and caused about one million euros in damages. Authorities detained or identified 330 people, half of them foreign nationals. The measures, effective immediately, impose up to five years in prison and fines of 20,000 euros for endangering public safety in groups of five or more. Penalties increase for concealing faces or causing injuries, with police empowered to detain youths aged 14-17 deemed dangerous.