Italy sends 500 soldiers to Milan to curb looting after protests turn violent

Italy's government is deploying 500 soldiers to Milan and has promised a firm state response to protests against the rising cost of living that have escalated into clashes with police, vandalism, and looting. New demonstrations are planned for Saturday. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced on Tuesday, October 20, that a decree will establish a new crime of participating in a violent demonstration, carrying penalties of up to five years in prison and fines up to 20,000 euros. The government also plans stricter security measures, including expanded preventive detention for minors and measures targeting youth gangs. The unrest began on October 17 in Milan, Turin, Bologna, and Bergamo, with police arresting hundreds, many of them minors. Meloni stated that offenders will pay for damages, and if a minor is responsible, their parents will be held liable.