Italy tightens protest laws after Milan riots, adds 500 soldiers

Italy approved a decree on Tuesday introducing tougher security measures after weekend riots in Milan, where looters, many minors, damaged the central shopping district. The measures include deploying 500 additional soldiers to Milan through year-end and new penalties for violent protest participation. The decree makes it easier to prosecute minors over 14, automatically presuming they understand their actions unless proven otherwise, and holds parents liable for damage caused by minors. It also creates a new offense of violent demonstration participation, punishable by up to five years in prison and fines up to $22,500. Premier Giorgia Meloni called the young rioters' behavior "painful and frightening," noting over 100 police officers were injured and more than 30 of about 50 arrested were minors. The decree, requiring parliamentary approval within 60 days, coincides with similar unrest in France over living costs.