Italy’s government has fast-tracked new security measures granting police expanded authority following violent protests in Turin that injured over 100 officers.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s cabinet approved a sweeping security decree on February 5, 2026, just days after chaotic riots rocked Turin. The violence erupted during a large demonstration in support of the Askatasuna social center—a longtime far-left squat evicted in late 2025. What began as a protest quickly descended into intense clashes, with masked demonstrators throwing stones, bottles, firecrackers, and incendiary devices at police lines.
Authorities reported extensive damage to public property, including burned vehicles and smashed storefronts. In one widely circulated incident, protesters attacked a police officer with sticks and a hammer. Over 108 security forces personnel were injured, marking one of the most severe episodes of street violence in recent years. Meloni described the events as “urban guerrilla warfare” and vowed zero tolerance for such acts.
The new decree introduces several key provisions aimed at preventing future unrest and protecting law enforcement:
- Preventive detention: Police can detain individuals deemed a risk to public order for up to 12 hours before or during events, subject to potential judicial oversight.
- Expanded self-defense protections: Broader legal safeguards for officers (and citizens) using force in legitimate defense scenarios.
- Enhanced public order tools: Measures targeting pickpocketing, youth gangs, knife sales to minors, and restrictions on certain convicts attending public events.
The timing aligns with preparations for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, where officials anticipate potential disruptions. The government frames the decree as essential for citizen safety amid rising tensions.
Critics, including opposition leaders and civil rights advocates, warn that the preventive detention clause could erode freedoms of assembly and expression, potentially chilling legitimate protests. As Italy grapples with polarized politics, Meloni’s law-and-order approach reinforces her administration’s hardline stance on security.
The decree has sparked debate nationwide, highlighting the delicate balance between public safety and democratic rights in a tense pre-Olympics climate.