Italy’s government tightened security measures on 20th October in the wake of the violent protests that saw stores and property destroyed in that day’s looting in the centre of Milan, which included some disturbing scenes of young people setting off firebombs.

A government order will see an extra 500 troops deployed in Milan by the end of the year, with a requirement for parents to cover costs for damage caused by minors and a move to ease prosecution of minors over the age of 14.

In a video posted on social media, Premier Giorgia Meloni said the presence of so many young rioters was “painful and frightening”.

“Young people did come to the square to break stuff, to steal and take pictures of themselves doing that,” Meloni said. “This is something that has to be taken seriously, and is something to make sure that other people don’t emulate.”

The decree also introduces a new crime punishable by up to five years’ imprisonment and up to 20,000 euros ($22,500) in fines: “Violent participation in a demonstration”. Penalties will be enhanced if the offender covers his/her face or if an injury occurs.

Protesters will have to cover any damage, and parents will have to cover any damage by minors, Meloni said.

The decree, which has to be passed into law by parliament within 60 days, also automatically assumes the competence of persons aged 14 and older to understand their own actions, unless the contrary is established. That was previously up to a judge to determine.

The government would also bring in new beds in detention centres and judges in the juvenile justice system, Meloni added.

Many rioters, using tear gas masks, clashed with police, looted stores and set property on fire Saturday in the central part of Milan, triggering the use of water cannons and tear gas. Violence and looting persisted on Sunday, though authorities reported that they had sustained injuries to over 100 police officers in two days.

On Saturday night, 2,000 youths took part in the riots, many of whom were naturalised Italians – born to foreign parents – and foreign nationals, said Milan police. There are some 50 individuals who were arrested over the weekend, of whom over 30 are minors.

The unrest occurred at the same time as nationwide protests in neighbouring France over the cost of living and in protest at high school students’ claims. Some of the violent protesters, who joined the demonstrations, were dispersed by tear gas and water cannons used by French police.