Italy Enacts Strict Security Decree: Up to 5 Years in Prison and €20,000 Fine for Street Riots

The Italian government has approved a sweeping new security decree targeting urban violence, vandalism, and youth-led riots. The cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, passed the legislation to crack down on public disorder following recent mass unrest in Milan and other major cities. Under the new rules, participating in violent group acts carries a penalty of up to five years in prison, while parents may be held financially liable for property damage caused by their underage children.

Key Measures of the New Security Decree:

* Severe Sentences for Group Violence: A new criminal offense targeting violent acts during public demonstrations has been established. If a group of five or more individuals throws stones, fireworks, or deploys dangerous objects, participants face up to five years of imprisonment and fines reaching €20,000. Penalties escalate if offenders conceal their faces.
* Parental Liability for Minors: Endorsing the principle of "You break it, you pay for it," the government introduces a fast-track procedure to recover damages from parents if public infrastructure (e.g., transit stops, traffic lights, police vehicles) is vandalized by minors. Civil courts will handle claims for private property damage.
* 24-Hour Preventive Detention: Law enforcement powers have been expanded to allow the preventive detention of suspects—including minors—for up to 24 hours to defuse potential violence before demonstrations escalate.
* Military Reinforcements in Milan: An additional 500 military personnel will be deployed to Milan to reinforce the ongoing Strade Sicure (Safe Streets) security operation.
* AI and Biometric Identification: Authorities will utilize advanced biometric technologies and artificial intelligence (AI) systems to identify individuals committing offenses during public unrest.

Addressing the Rise of Decentralized Youth Unrest

Political analysts note that Italy's recent riots represent a shifting paradigm: disturbances are increasingly driven by teenagers flashing mobs via social media rather than formal political organizations. While the decree aims to streamline police intervention, it raises substantial legal questions regarding how law enforcement will distinguish peaceful demonstrators from bad actors, alongside the complex ethics of strictly enforcing parental liability.
The decree has been formally adopted by the cabinet. To permanently pass into law, it must be officially published and ratified by the Italian Parliament within the statutory 60-day window.