Italy has announced tougher security measures after violent protests in Milan left shops damaged, stores looted and property set on fire over the weekend. The new measures include deploying 500 additional soldiers to the city, making parents pay for damage caused by their children and easing the prosecution of minors aged over 14.

Premier Giorgia Meloni said the presence of young rioters was "painful and frightening" in a video posted on social media.

"Young people … came to the square to smash things, steal and film themselves doing it," Meloni said. "This is a phenomenon that we must address seriously, also to prevent those images from becoming a model for others to imitate."

The government decree introduces a new criminal offence for violent participation in demonstrations. Offenders could face up to five years in prison and fines of up to 20,000 euros ($22,500). Penalties will increase if protesters cover their faces or injure someone. Protesters will also have to pay for property damage, with parents held responsible for damage caused by minors.

The decree automatically presumes that individuals aged over 14 can understand their actions, unless proven otherwise. Previously, judges determined whether minors had the capacity to understand their conduct. Parliament must approve the decree within 60 days for it to become law.

Meloni also announced plans to increase detention capacity and appoint more judges to the juvenile justice system.

Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse rioters in central Milan on Saturday. Many protesters covered their faces while clashing with police, looting shops and setting property on fire. Violence and looting continued on Sunday. Authorities reported that more than 100 police officers were injured over the two days.

Milan police estimated that around 2,000 young people took part in Saturday night's riots. They included a significant number of naturalised Italians born to foreign parents and foreign nationals. More than 30 of the roughly 50 people arrested over the weekend were minors.

The unrest coincided with nationwide demonstrations in neighbouring France over rising living costs and high school students' grievances. French police also deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse violent protesters who joined the rallies.