Italian defence minister says Milan rioting was caused by a hybrid war against the West

Minister blames online influence

Guido Crosetto said the events in Milan and elsewhere in Italy differed from unrest in earlier eras. He described them as part of “hybrid warfare” against Western nations, naming TikTok, social media and YouTube as unconventional tools.

Security steps under consideration

Italy was due to approve new security measures targeting minors on Tuesday, politicians said, after two days of unrest. Deputy prime minister Matteo Salvini said police would be permitted to hold under-18s at stations for up to 12 hours, even without a crime, if evidence suggested they posed a danger.

Authorities were also expected to send 500 additional army troops to Milan, where demonstrations are planned for Saturday. Giorgia Meloni was considering longer preventive detention for minors and measures against youth gangs, Corriere della Sera reported, as parliament scrutinises an existing security bill.

Violence and business concerns

Hooded protesters set bins ablaze and looted shops during the unrest. Clashes on Saturday also took place in Bologna, Brescia, Bergamo and Turin; a police report released Sunday said 28 protesters were arrested.

Luxury stores in Milan’s Via Montenapoleone district, including Chanel, Tiffany and Dior, removed expensive goods from their windows over concern about further rioting. Meloni condemned those who use demonstrations to create disorder, while saying peaceful protest is a right.

France announces curfews

Separately, French prime minister Sebastien Lecornu said new curfews were due to take effect in France that night. He said the previous night’s measures had contributed to calm. Lecornu said decisions on further targeted curfews would be made locally by prefects in coordination with mayors.