The measures include prison terms for violent demonstrations, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children engaged in vandalism and looting
The Italian government has approved a package of security measures in the wake of violent protests in many cities. The measures include prison terms for violent demonstrations, tougher penalties for rioters, and financial liability for parents whose children engaged in vandalism and looting.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the measures on Tuesday, October 20, stressing that while carrying out protests is a fundamental right, engaging in vandalism and violence cannot be justified.
Writing on X, Meloni wrote, “Demonstrating is a right, devastating our cities is not. Here are the measures we have approved to counter violence and safeguard the safety of citizens.”
Manifestare è un diritto, devastare le nostre città no. Ecco le misure che abbiamo approvato per contrastare la violenza e tutelare la sicurezza dei cittadini. https://t.co/kqk51X8YZa
— Giorgia Meloni (@GiorgiaMeloni) October 20, 2026
“There is nothing revolutionary about vandalising and stealing. Vandalism and theft are not protest, they are criminality”, she said.
The new measures impose a prison term of up to five years as well as penalties of up to €20,000 ($22,460) for anyone who participates in a group of at least five people that jeopardise public safety during a protest.
Penalties will be tougher if protesters hide their faces or injure people.
If minors are responsible for vandalism or looting, their parents will be financially liable for the damage.
The fresh rules expands police powers to detain teenagers aged between 14 and 17, if there is evidence that they pose a danger. Earlier, such powers only covered adults.
Unrest In Italy
The unrest in Italy follows demonstrations by people, who have borne the brunt of rising cost of living and diesel prices. While some pasta manufacturers have been forced to halt production, agricultural groups have warned that fruit and vegetables could be left to rot due to transport disruptions.