Italy’s Meloni approves tougher anti-riot laws after Milan violence

Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has passed a steady stream of security crackdowns since taking office in 2022. | AFP-JIJI

Reuters

Oct 21, 2026

ROME – Italy approved a raft of security measures on Tuesday including a new offense of violent participation in a demonstration, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children take part in vandalism and looting.

The move came after unrest swept northern Italian cities at the weekend, including the financial capital Milan, where gangs of mainly young people went on the rampage, smashing windows, robbing shops and attacking police.

“There is nothing revolutionary about vandalizing and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on social media, unveiling the decree.

In a time of both misinformation and too much information,
quality journalism is more crucial than ever.
By subscribing, you can help us get the story right.