Judge Frees Milan Protest Organizer Amid Sharp Clash Between Prosecutors and Government

Key points

• Judge Landoni released Siher on October 28, stating there were no serious grounds to believe he committed the charged offenses or posed a flight risk.
• Prosecutors accused Siher of running the 'October 17 Movement' Telegram channel and inciting violence, but the court noted the violent messages were posted by other members, not Siher himself.
• Prime Minister Meloni criticized the ruling as an 'unbearable humiliation' of police work, while legal experts and the Bar Association questioned the validity of the charges.
• The case involves a new security decree law that criminalizes organizing groups that endanger public safety during demonstrations, carrying prison sentences of four to 12 years.
• Siher, a Moroccan-origin Italian citizen, was previously flagged by domestic intelligence for founding a group that spread propaganda linked to Hamas and the PFLP.

Background

This case follows violent youth-led protests in Milan on October 17 and 18, 2026, which resulted in looting, clashes with police, and over 270 arrests. The unrest mirrored similar disturbances in France and other European cities, prompting the Meloni government to deploy 500 soldiers to Milan and introduce new security laws to curb public disorder.

How outlets are covering it

Euronews and Israel Hayom emphasized the scale of the unrest, detailing police searches that seized weapons like knuckledusters and knives, and highlighting Siher's alleged role in organizing the 'October 17 Movement.' They noted his background as a pro-Palestinian activist and his previous ties to groups spreading Hamas-related propaganda. In contrast, Il Foglio and U.S. News & World Report focused on the legal and political fallout. Il Foglio argued the prosecution's evidence was 'flimsy,' noting that Siher was charged based on the actions of other group members and political slogans rather than direct incitement to violence. U.S. News & World Report highlighted the sharp political divide, with Meloni denouncing the judge's decision as 'shameful' and questioning the judiciary's ability to protect citizens, while legal observers criticized the media's portrayal of Siher as guilty before the trial.

Why it matters

The case underscores the tension between Italy's government and judiciary over the definition of protest and public order. The use of new security laws to charge protest organizers with terrorism-related offenses has raised concerns about the criminalization of political dissent. The judge's decision to release Siher sets a precedent for how such cases will be handled, potentially influencing future protests and the government's approach to law enforcement.

What to watch

The prosecution may appeal the judge's decision, and the case could become a focal point in the ongoing debate over Italy's new security laws. The government may continue to push for stricter measures against protest organizers, while legal experts and civil rights groups may challenge the constitutionality of the new decree. The outcome of this case could have broader implications for the balance between public order and the right to protest in Italy.