On 18 October, a new wave of unrest broke out in central Milan, involving clashes and looting of shops. According to updated police figures, 271 people were taken to police stations, including 220 minors; 32 people were arrested.
Briefly about the main points
- On 18 October, clashes broke out and shops were looted in the centre of Milan.
- Robberies were reported at Carrefour, Levi’s, Under Armour and Decathlon.
- A total of 271 people were taken to police stations, 220 of whom were minors.
- The police reported 32 arrests and 14 law enforcement officers injured.
- George Meloni convened a government meeting on public order.
Which shops were affected during the riots?
According to reports from ANSA and Sky TG24, groups of young people were gathering in small groups around Piazza del Duomo, Via Torino and Piazza Cordusio. They were smashing shop windows and breaking into shops.
Confirmed cases of robbery These include Carrefour, Levi’s, Under Armour and Decathlon. ANSA reported that alcoholic drinks were being taken out of a Carrefour supermarket and food was being thrown onto the street.
During the clashes, the police used water cannons and tear gas. According to Italian media reports, stones, bottles and fireworks were thrown at the police.
What is the difference between being taken to the police station and being arrested?
According to the police, 271 people were taken to police stations, including 220 minors. A total of 32 people were formally arrested, including 23 minors; a further 28 people were reported for suspected offences.
A preventive measure provided for under Italian law has been applied to 174 people. Being taken to a police station, a preventive measure and arrest have different legal statuses; therefore, the figure of 271 does not represent the number of people arrested.
Police sources also reported that 14 law enforcement officers had been injured: ten national police officers and four local police officers.
The authorities’ response and the link to the march on 17 October
The riots on 18 October took place the day after a march against the rising cost of living, organised by a group «Italia in Piazza». The protesters raised concerns about the high cost of living, fuel prices, low wages and problems with public services; these demands do not explain the motives of those involved in the robberies.
Prime Minister of Italy George Maloney condemned the violence and convened a government meeting on 19 October to discuss public order. The Mayor of Milan, Giuseppe Sala, stated that, in his view, there were not enough police officers at the first demonstration, whilst the Minister of the Interior Matteo Piante dosi rejected this assessment.
