Italy extends preventive detention to minors and criminalizes violent protest participation

Italy's Council of Ministers approved a new "youth security" decree on Tuesday, extending preventive detention to minors and creating the crime of "violent participation in demonstrations." The measure allows police to hold under-18s in stations for 12 hours without charges if deemed dangerous, and punishes anyone in a group of five or more who throws stones or objects with up to five years in prison and fines up to 20,000 euros. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decree takes effect immediately, responding to days of unrest across the country. She said she understands protesters' grievances but violence is not a solution.