Milan Riots Continue as Police Detain 160 People

Violent unrest continued in Milan, Italy, for a second day, as masked youths smashed shop windows and looted businesses and supermarkets, according to Italian news agency ANSA.

The youths, many dressed in black, targeted shops around Piazza del Duomo, the city’s central cathedral square. Police responded with tear gas and water cannon, detaining at least 160 people. About 80 per cent of those detained were minors, ANSA reported.

The latest violence followed serious clashes in Milan and other major Italian cities on Saturday. The incidents occurred alongside peaceful demonstrations against the rising cost of living.

Italian media compared the unrest with violent riots previously witnessed in France, as concerns grew over the escalation of violence during public protests.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has called a meeting with security officials at her office in Rome for Monday to review the situation and consider further action.

ANSA quoted Meloni as saying: “I have called a meeting on public order at Palazzo Chigi for tomorrow to assess the situation and discuss further measures against those who exploit legitimate demonstrations to sow violence and chaos.”

The planned meeting is expected to focus on public order and possible measures to prevent further violence linked to demonstrations.