Luxury stores closing in Milan due to threat of new riots
In the Italian city of Milan, on October 19, luxury brand stores and other retail outlets began closing en masse due to fears of new riots. After two days of unrest accompanied by looting of stores and clashes with police, the Italian government is considering additional security measures.
This is reported by La Repubblica. According to the publication, commercial establishments in the city center began closing as early as the first half of the day, fearing a repeat of the weekend's events.
Particularly noticeable restrictions affected the famous Fashion Quadrilateral (Quadrilatero della Moda), where boutiques of leading world brands are concentrated. Many stores lowered their protective shutters, and some additionally reinforced entrances and shop windows.
Individual supermarkets also temporarily suspended operations. In particular, an Esselunga chain store near Piazza Fontana closed. Owners of commercial facilities fear new attacks and looting against the backdrop of planned street protests.
In the area of Piazza Duomo, police presence was increased. Food service staff removed outdoor tables, chairs, and umbrellas, which during previous clashes were used to build barricades.
As of Monday evening, the situation directly on the square remained calm, although the number of young people gathering was increasing. Law enforcement officers continued to check documents and control the area.
Police detained dozens of riot participants
According to clarified data from Italian law enforcement agencies, after Sunday's clashes, 271 people were taken to Milan police stations, including 220 minors.
Of the total number brought in, 32 people were arrested, and another 28 received official notifications of investigation against them. Preventive detention under Italian law was applied to 174 participants.
During the riots, 14 law enforcement officers were injured, including ten police officers and four municipal police representatives.
As reported by Corriere della Sera, the Milan prosecutor's office has requested pre-trial detention for several adult suspects in cases involving mass riots, looting of commercial premises, and resistance to police. The final decision on the preventive measure is to be made by the court.
The clashes began on October 17 during demonstrations against the rising cost of living, inadequate wages, and deteriorating public services. In the following two days, groups of participants smashed shop windows, broke into stores, and set fire to street barriers.
Damage was sustained by commercial properties in the area of Piazza Duomo, Via Torino, and other central districts of Milan. Protest actions were also accompanied by clashes in other cities in northern Italy.
Italian government prepares new restrictions
Against the backdrop of ongoing tension, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni held a special meeting on public security on October 19.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Prime Ministers Matteo Salvini and Antonio Tajani, Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi, Defense Minister Guido Crosetto, and representatives of law enforcement and intelligence services.
According to ANSA, the government is considering stricter liability for participation in violent riots, including for minors.
Additional powers for law enforcement, measures against road blockages, and legislative changes aimed at preventing looting and attacks during mass events are being discussed.
The adoption of a separate emergency decree is not ruled out. According to Italian media reports, the government may consider it as early as October 20. However, no final decision has yet been made.
Authorities emphasize that the proposed measures should be directed against violent actions, not against peaceful demonstrations, the right to which is guaranteed by Italian law.
Thus, the consequences of the riots have already affected commercial activity in central areas of Milan. Commercial enterprises are forced to temporarily suspend operations, while the government prepares legislative changes against the backdrop of ongoing protests.
