Italy and France Weigh Fines on Parents Over Protest Damage

Italy has approved measures that increase the financial liability of parents whose children take part in vandalism or looting during protests, according to Al Jazeera. France is considering plans to impose fines on parents whose children vandalise or damage property. Both countries are dealing with student-led demonstrations that have, in parts, turned violent.

Italy's decree includes the phrase "You break it, you buy it," and it strengthens an existing law that holds parents responsible for criminal damage caused by their children. The same rules set a penalty of up to five years in prison and a maximum fine of 20,000 euros for anyone taking part in a group of at least five people that endangers public safety. Protesters aged 14 to 18 can also be placed in administrative detention, meaning detention without a criminal charge, even if they have not committed a crime, provided there is evidence they pose a danger. Italy's government also approved sending 500 soldiers to Milan until the end of 2026.

In France, the unrest has been large and costly. In early October, the Paris police chief said the student protest movement was out of control and urged people to protest peacefully, according to Reuters. Damage to property from the protests was estimated at tens of millions of euros at that time. French authorities had also warned in early October that parents could be held liable when minors committed violence or caused damage during the protests.

The demonstrations drew large crowds. On Thursday, October 8, 71,500 people took part in a protest in France. A 14-year-old named Eden suffered a broken jaw and several smashed teeth after being struck by a tear gas canister fired by a police officer, Reuters reported. On Saturday, October 17, clashes between police and protesters, widespread looting and several fires were reported across the country, according to AFP. One protester died after suffering a cardiac arrest during demonstrations in Paris. Police have made 2,400 arrests across France, Reuters reported.

Misinformation has also spread during the unrest. In Italy in October, fake posts about ghost marches and false assaults circulated on social media, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. Cremona and Pavia were locked down over demonstrations that did not take place, and messages in Milan warned of possible attacks on students as part of false protest alerts.