Italian Judge Frees Milan Protest Suspect as Meloni Objects

An Italian court has ordered the release of Youssef Siher, a 30-year-old journalist and researcher accused of helping organize violent demonstrations, after a Milan judge found insufficient grounds to justify his detention. The October 28, 2026, ruling challenged prosecutors' allegations and drew an angry response from Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, whose government recently introduced tougher public security legislation. Siher, an Italian citizen of Moroccan origin, was detained on October 24 on suspicion of inciting criminal offenses under aggravated circumstances involving alleged terrorist purposes.

According to Reuters, Milan judge Tiziana Landoni also found no established risk that he would flee. Landoni's decision questioned the evidence used to support the prosecution's case. The ruling stated, "There are no serious grounds for believing that (Siher) committed the offences with which he has been charged, nor is there a risk of flight," according to Reuters.

Italian police had identified Siher as an administrator of an online group associated with demonstrations that followed violent protests earlier in October. Investigators alleged that the group circulated inflammatory material and encouraged participants to gather on October 24 to commit offenses against public order.

However, the judge found that other members had published the messages cited by investigators. Landoni wrote, "Siher was not found to have encouraged or in any way supported the violent actions advocated by those users," according to Reuters. Siher has denied wrongdoing. His release has raised questions among legal observers and members of the Italian Bar Association about the investigation and the treatment of suspects in cases involving political demonstrations.

Meloni criticized the court's decision in a video posted on social media, arguing that it undermined the work of law enforcement officials. The prime minister said, "I think this is an unbearable humiliation of the work of the police and investigators," according to Reuters. She also questioned whether the judicial system could adequately protect the public under such circumstances. Meloni added, "I really don't know how a normal state can defend decent people in the face of these decisions by certain sections of the judiciary," Reuters reported.

The case has drawn additional attention because prosecutors relied on a new offense introduced through a security decree enacted by Meloni's government in October. The provision establishes prison sentences of four to 12 years for organizers of groups that endanger public safety or cause damage while participating in public demonstrations. The legislation forms part of the government's broader effort to strengthen its response to public disorder.

Its application in Siher's case has prompted scrutiny of how authorities distinguish between organizing demonstrations and encouraging criminal violence. Separate reporting by Israel Hayom said police conducted more than 150 home searches in Milan and 20 other Italian cities ahead of the demonstrations. Investigators were examining online communications that allegedly included plans to attack police officers, steal their weapons and set buildings on fire.

According to the same report, protests drew thousands of participants across Italy, including students, anti-vaccine activists and far-right groups. Although many gatherings remained peaceful, clashes occurred in Rome, Turin, Bologna and Florence.

Italian police reported nine arrests and 371 detentions during the protests, including 110 minors, according to Israel Hayom. Turin and Bologna experienced some of the most serious confrontations, with demonstrators throwing stones and bottles and police responding with tear gas and water cannons. The demonstrations emerged amid public anger over living costs and low wages, with calls for protests circulating through social media.

The identity of those responsible for coordinating the wider movement remained unclear, according to reporting cited by Israel Hayom. The controversy surrounding Siher also intensified after Italian media published extensive details about his background and family. Critics questioned whether some coverage had presented allegations as established facts before the judicial review of the evidence.

Siher's arrest and subsequent release have placed the government's security measures, police investigations and judicial oversight at the center of a dispute over the handling of politically charged demonstrations in Italy.