Headlines
Italian police to get new arrest powers after Turin riot
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 5, 2026
2 min readLast updated: February 5, 2026
Quick Summary
Italian police are granted new powers to detain suspects temporarily to prevent unrest, following a violent rally in Turin. The decree aims to enhance security ahead of the Winter Olympics.
Italian Police Granted New Powers to Prevent Unrest Ahead of Olympics
New Law and Order Measures in Italy
By Alvise Armellini and Angelo Amante
Background of the Turin Rally
ROME, Feb 5 (Reuters) - Italian police will be able to detain suspected troublemakers temporarily before street rallies to prevent them from spreading unrest under a new law-and-order decree adopted on Thursday by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's rightist government.
Details of the New Decree
The bill was drafted after a rally over the weekend by the hard-left in Turin in which more than 100 police officers were injured and nearly 30 protesters arrested, according to an interior ministry tally.
Political Reactions to the Bill
It was adopted on the eve of the opening ceremony for the February 6-22 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. Officials have said they will be tightening security and preparing to deal with any protests against the presence of U.S. security officers.
"With the measures approved today we are strengthening the tools to prevent and combat widespread crime," Meloni said on X.
In Turin, some demonstrators threw bottles, stones and fireworks at police. Video footage showed an officer being attacked with sticks and a hammer.
Under the decree, which will come into force in the coming days, police will be able to hold suspected troublemakers in custody for up to 12 hours, to keep them away from protests.
The bill also includes measures against pickpockets, youth gangs, a ban on the sales of knives to minors, and greater self-defence guarantees for police officers and private citizens who respond to assaults.
The leader of the Green Left Alliance opposition party, Angelo Bonelli, said the bill was repressive and it would have been more effective to give the police more funds to fight crime.
He called preventive arrests "a serious violation of the constitutional right to demonstrate".
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi rejected criticism of the new arrest powers, saying similar provisions existed in other European countries.
(Additional reporting by Giuseppe Fonte; Editing by Andrew Heavens)
Key Takeaways
- •Italian police can now detain suspected troublemakers temporarily.
- •The decree was prompted by a violent rally in Turin.
- •Measures aim to prevent unrest during the Winter Olympics.
- •The bill includes provisions against youth gangs and pickpockets.
- •Opposition criticizes the decree as repressive.
Frequently Asked Questions about Italian police to get new arrest powers after Turin riot
1What is the role of law enforcement?
Law enforcement agencies are responsible for maintaining public order, enforcing laws, preventing crime, and ensuring the safety of citizens.
2What is crime prevention?
Crime prevention refers to strategies and measures aimed at reducing the risk and incidence of criminal behavior, often involving community engagement and law enforcement.
3What is a security measure?
A security measure is a precautionary action taken to protect individuals, property, or information from harm, theft, or damage.
