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- November 1, 202614°
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- November 1, 202614°
Italy deploys 500 soldiers to Milan ahead of protests
The Italian government deployed 500 soldiers from a paratrooper unit to Milan ahead of demonstrations planned across the country. Measures were also stepped up in Rome and Naples, while new prison terms and fines for violent acts took effect.
Security measures were stepped up in Rome, Milan, Naples and many other cities ahead of protest marches planned in Italy today. Preparations were particularly intensified in Milan, where incidents occurred during demonstrations over the cost of living and against the government on October 17-18.
Milan deploys 500 soldiers from paratrooper unit
Following a decision taken during the week by the right-wing coalition government led by Giorgia Meloni, 500 soldiers from the Italian army’s elite paratrooper unit began duty in Milan in the morning.
Armored vehicles were deployed alongside police units in and around Duomo Square. Numerous stores and shops in the city center closed their shutters, while their windows were covered with wooden boards.
Businesses in many cities outside Rome, Milan and Naples also took similar measures to prevent possible damage. As part of preventive security operations, searches were conducted at 150 locations in Milan and 20 other cities.
Salvini inspects damaged shops
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Transport and Infrastructure Matteo Salvini visited businesses damaged during looting in central Milan last weekend. Salvini discussed the measures taken with business employees and security forces.
Salvini said Milan was prepared for protests that could turn violent.
Up to five years in prison for violent acts
Following last week’s incidents, the Italian government prepared a new decree on security offenses, penalties and juvenile crime. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni announced the decree in a statement on October 20.
Meloni announced that violent participation in demonstrations would be considered a crime. Under the decree, people who join a group of five or more during a march or demonstration, throw stones, small fireworks or sticks, and endanger public safety will face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros.
Harsher penalties will apply to people who cover their faces during demonstrations, cause others to be injured or take part in acts of destruction as a group. They will also be required to cover the resulting damage.
Meloni said the new regulation would also allow preventive detention orders, which can be imposed before demonstrations on suspects whose identities are known or who cause disorder, to cover minors.
Looting and arson occurred during Milan protests
Demonstrations held in Milan, in northern Italy, on October 17-18 to protest the cost of living and the policies of the right-wing coalition government led by Meloni turned violent.
Some protesters, most of them young people, broke the windows of stores and supermarkets, looting occurred and trash bins were set on fire. The incidents caused extensive material damage across the city, while many people were injured.
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