Italy approves tougher protest crackdown after Milan riots

Italy approved new security measures Tuesday to combat violent protests after weekend riots in Milan, where mostly minor rioters looted stores and set property on fire in the central shopping district. The decree includes deploying 500 additional soldiers to Milan through year-end. The measures require parents to pay for damage caused by minors, ease prosecution of those over 14, and create a new offense of violent demonstration participation punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to 20,000 euros. Premier Giorgia Meloni called the young rioters' actions "painful and frightening." The decree, needing parliamentary approval within 60 days, also presumes those over 14 understand their actions, adds detention beds and juvenile judges. Over 100 police were injured and 2,000 youths participated, with more than 30 of 50 arrested being minors.