Italy tightens police powers after weekend riots

Italy will approve new security measures on Tuesday targeting minors after weekend riots saw demonstrators clash with police, loot shops, and vandalize property across several cities. Under the crackdown, police can detain people under 18 at stations for 12 hours without a crime if they pose a danger, Deputy PM Matteo Salvini said. Rome will also deploy 500 additional army troops in Milan ahead of Saturday protests. The unrest followed demonstrations over poor public services and rising costs, echoing violent protests in France. Critics say Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's security crackdowns since 2022 fail to address underlying causes, as prison population rose 17% in four years.