Meloni says new crime of 'violent participation in demo' introduced (4)

(ANSA) - ROME, 20 OTT - Premier Giorgia Meloni said Tuesday a new crime of violent participation in a demonstration was being introduced by decree after the weekend's shocking youth rioting in Milan and other cities, with fines of up to 20,000 euros and jail terms of up to five years. Today, "a new criminal offense is being introduced: violent participation in a demonstration," Meloni stated in a video released following a cabinet meeting on security. "If, during a march or demonstration, you join a group of five or more people and begin throwing stones, firecrackers, or sticks—thereby endangering everyone's safety—you face up to five years in prison and a fine of up to 20,000 euros. "If your face was covered or if you injured someone, the penalty increases; penalties are also increased for those who engage in acts of destruction as part of a group." Meloni also outlined the new principle of 'if you break it, you pay for it—and if the person who breaks it is a minor, their parents pay'. With this measure, we are applying "a simple principle: if you break it, you pay for it—and if the person who breaks it is a minor, their parents pay," Meloni said. "How does it work? If the damage is to public property—such as a bus shelter, a traffic light, or a police vehicle—the prefect will send a payment order to the individual's home. If the damage is to private property—such as a shop window, a store, or a car—the owner can go to a judge and obtain an immediately enforceable court order." "Of course," she continued, "it will be possible to challenge this, but in the meantime, the parents of the youth who decided to go around breaking things will have to pay. "Furthermore, the party that suffered the damage can seek recovery from the family’s entire range of assets—including any funds that the State might owe them." (ANSA).
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