Italy passes anti-riot laws with €20,000 fines and prison terms after Milan violence

Italy approved new anti-riot laws Tuesday imposing up to five years in prison and €20,000 fines for violent protesters, following weekend unrest in Milan and other northern cities. The measures take effect immediately. The laws create a new offence of violent demonstration participation, hold parents financially liable for minors involved in vandalism, and increase penalties for concealed faces or injuries. Police can now detain youths aged 14-17 deemed dangerous, a power previously limited to adults. The government will deploy 500 army troops to patrol Milan until end of 2026. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni faces separate southern Italy protests over diesel prices, with truck driver roadblocks disrupting supply chains ahead of 2027 elections.