An 11-year-old boy born in Morocco has been identified by Italian police as the youngest person involved in violent riots and widespread looting in Milan last weekend, drawing attention to the participation of children in unrest that has prompted a major security response from Italian authorities.
The boy, who moved to Italy from Morocco four years ago, was identified by Carabinieri officers following the circulation of videos showing him leaving a looted clothing store in central Milan with merchandise apparently taken from the premises, according to Italian newspaper Corriere della Sera.
The footage, widely shared on social media, shows the child wearing dark clothing and a balaclava during disturbances on October 17 and 18. Other images reportedly show him near a burning rubbish bin and among groups attempting to damage storefronts.
Police identified him at his school in Barona, a working-class neighbourhood in southwestern Milan, where he attends middle school.
Under Italian law, children younger than 14 cannot be held criminally responsible. Authorities may nevertheless refer cases involving younger children to juvenile prosecutors or social services.
School describes difficulties supporting the child
The boy’s Moroccan background has attracted attention in Italian reporting, particularly following interviews with teachers and residents about his circumstances.
He arrived in Italy during primary school and has experienced difficulties with Italian-language proficiency and classroom integration, according to Corriere della Sera.
His school has introduced an individualized education program, including additional teaching support.
The school’s headteacher described the boy as having significant educational and behavioural difficulties, while acknowledging the challenges of providing appropriate support.
Accounts from neighbourhood residents and classmates have also circulated in Italian media, although allegations concerning his previous behaviour have not been independently substantiated.
His involvement in the disturbances has raised questions about the participation of very young adolescents in violent demonstrations, alongside wider concerns about educational support and youth welfare.
Italy deploys additional security forces
The unrest prompted Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi to announce the deployment of 500 military personnel to Milan as authorities sought to prevent further violence.
According to Italian news agency ANSA, investigators have been examining surveillance footage and social media recordings to identify participants in the disturbances, which involved vandalism, looting and clashes with security forces.
Another teenager of Moroccan origin, aged 16, was identified in Desio, near Milan, after appearing in videos wearing a cap allegedly stolen from a Carabinieri officer.
Unlike the 11-year-old, the older teenager faces criminal allegations, including theft, vandalism and looting.
Piantedosi described the involvement of young people in the unrest as a complex phenomenon requiring a different response from authorities.
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