Italy tightens protest laws after Milan riots, adds 500 troops

Italy approved new security measures Tuesday to combat violent protests after weekend riots in Milan, where rioters, many minors, looted stores and set property on fire. The decree includes deploying 500 additional soldiers to Milan through year-end. Premier Giorgia Meloni announced the measures, which make parents liable for damage caused by minors and ease prosecution of those over 14. A new offense of violent demonstration participation carries up to five years in prison and fines up to 20,000 euros. The decree, requiring parliamentary approval within 60 days, presumes those over 14 understand their actions. Over 100 police were injured and 50 arrested, with more than 30 minors, during two days of unrest.