Meloni calls emergency meeting after weekend of violent clashes

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is poised to approve emergency security measures, according to local media, after protests over rising costs broke out into violent clashes in Milan.

The measures include extending preventative detention to minors and restricting group gatherings, Milanese paper Corriere della Sera reported.

Police deployed tear gas and water cannons after protesters - many in masks - threw paving stones, bins and chairs at officers over the weekend. More than 250 people were detained, 80% of whom were minors, Italian police said.

The expected crackdown comes after Meloni chaired an emergency security meeting on Monday afternoon. No official announcements have been made.

More than 5,000 people gathered in Milan over the weekend. As well as clashes between police and some protesters, stores were looted and property was set on fire.

High-end shops in the city's centre closed early on Monday, with many boarding up their windows over fears of further damage.

Measures to crack down on youth gangs are expected to be approved as early as Tuesday as part of a decree law, according to Corriere della Sera.

Source: BBC News World RSS (Open Press / Full Text)