Italy has adopted a security decree introducing penalties for violent group action and assigned 500 additional soldiers to Milan. Their duties remain within existing military patrol and surveillance powers. The package follows weekend unrest and must receive parliamentary ratification within 60 days; a proposal to give soldiers police powers was excluded.
Italy’s cabinet approved a security decree on 20 October after weekend unrest in Milan. The package creates an offence covering participation in violent collective action: members of groups of at least five people who endanger public safety face up to five years in prison and fines up to 20,000 euros. Penalties increase when faces are concealed or injuries occur.[1]
The government assigned 500 additional soldiers to Milan for Strade Sicure, Italy’s military operation protecting sensitive sites and supporting surveillance. Their reinforcement runs through the end of the year. The soldiers retain existing duties alongside police and the Carabinieri, Italy’s gendarmerie. A proposal to grant them judicial police powers was dropped from the package.[1], [2]
The defence ministry said the deployment would release police personnel for crime prevention and public-order duties. The decree also includes warnings and public-gathering bans for young people with a history of violent acts, and parental liability for vandalism and looting involving minors. Parliament must ratify the decree within 60 days.[1]
