Italy's Security Decree: 500 soldiers with drones and armored vehicles to patrol Milan

Italy's government is preparing for another weekend of protests following the approval of the Security Decree, with Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini announcing that 500 soldiers deployed to Milan will maintain public order using armored vehicles and drones. The decree, signed by President Mattarella, introduces the crime of violent participation in demonstrations and makes minors over 14 liable to prosecution. Salvini stated the Folgore paratroopers will be operational from Saturday, though critics from Europa Verde called the deployment disproportionate and a waste of nearly 5 million euros. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio acknowledged juvenile prisons are under strain from mass arrests of minors and proposed expanding youth detention capacity, a plan criticized by the Five Star Movement as potentially harmful and criminogenic for young offenders.