Italy security decree: new crime for protest violence, harsher minor penalties, 500 troops for Milan

Italy's government approved a security decree introducing a new crime of "organized violence in public demonstrations," following riots in Milan and other cities. The measure includes preventive detention, harsher penalties for minors, and 500 additional troops for Milan. The new offense targets protesters using sticks, clubs, or throwing objects, carrying two to five years imprisonment and fines up to 20,000 euros. Penalties increase for masked offenders or damage to infrastructure. Organizing violent groups, including online, risks four to twelve years. Preventive detention extends to crowded places, applying to minors aged 16 and above. A presumption of criminal capacity for those over 14 makes them immediately chargeable, with parents facing fines of 500 to 1,000 euros. Police can ban minors from gatherings if five or more engage in intimidating behavior. The 500 troops deployed to Milan until December 31 cost 4.7 million euros, with Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announcing an action plan at Tuesday's security committee meeting.