Italian police announced the gathering of teenagers to protest through social networks

Nearly 80% of the 316 people detained by Italian police for participating in the riots in Milan's Duomo Square were minors. Some were as young as 12 years old, and many had no obvious political affiliation, the Financial Times reported, citing a police official.

“This is the first time we’ve seen so many very young guys mobilise through social media,” he said.

According to the Italian newspaper Internazionale, the arrests on October 17 and 18 affected more than 200 people, most of whom were minors. Many teenagers came to Milan from the suburbs and neighboring municipalities, as well as from other cities including Como and Alessandria.

Calls to join the protests spread through Instagram accounts (owned by Meta, whose activities are recognized as extremist and banned in Russia) and Telegram groups, including those associated with the “Italy in the Square” and “October 17 Movement” initiatives.

On the night of October 18-19, the parents of the detained teenagers came to the police station on Fatebenefratelli Street to learn about the fate of the children. Since the detainees’ phones were seized, their parents could not contact them on their own.

Amid the detentions, the human rights network HubforDefenders set up legal support and a hotline to collect complaints about possible police abuses. In a statement on October 20, the organization reported 23 requests, including detention of minors without notifying their parents, denial of food and water, inability to make a phone call and lack of information about the reasons for their detention.

Protests in Italy began on October 17, following France. Demonstrators oppose the high cost of living, fuel prices and taxes. As a result of the clashes, several dozen people were injured. More than 200 people were arrested in Milan on October 19.

The Italian government has sent 500 troops to "protect Milan" after two days of rioting during which demonstrators staged pogroms and clashes with police. In downtown Milan, a number of luxury-brand boutiques including Chanel, Tiffany, Dior, Hermes and Pomellato have closed out over fears of new looting and clashes following mass riots.