Meloni weighs tougher measures on minors after recent protests
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is reviewing options to tighten police powers over under-18s, including delayed arrests or broader preventive detention, following recent street clashes.
After violent demonstrations, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni convened a high-level session at Palazzo Chigi to consider new legal tools targeting youths involved in unrest. The agenda focused on two possibilities: allowing delayed arrests for minors or widening the scope of preventive detention for anyone under the age of majority. Attendees included interior minister Alfredo Mantovano, security ministers Matteo Piantedosi and Carlo Nordio, as well as the chiefs of the Carabinieri, police and intelligence agencies.
Vice-premiers Antonio Tajani and Matteo Salvini are expected to join, having already been briefed. Officials acknowledge constitutional and practical challenges, such as identifying unknown minors and ensuring swift trials. While existing security decrees have had limited impact, the government seeks a decisive measure before the upcoming electoral campaign, though no formal decree has been confirmed yet.
Why it matters
The proposal could reshape how Italy handles youth involvement in protests, affecting civil liberties and public order ahead of elections.
How this story developed
- Oct 13 Student Demonstration at Albania's Education Ministry Turns Violent
- Oct 15 Prime Minister Edi Rama accused opposition groups of orchestrating the demonstrations.
- Oct 15 Rama issued a written statement refusing to resign as protests entered a third day.
- Oct 17 About two thousand mainly young demonstrators marched in Milan demanding cheaper gasoline and higher pay, encountering police resistance.
- Oct 17 Police reported about 500 detainees, with 330 released, and injuries to roughly 120 officers and 45 protesters.
- Oct 18 The demonstration escalated into violent clashes with injuries and looting.
- Oct 19 Approximately sixty participants were detained under the new security decree during the clashes.
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