Press release

Rome, 20 October 2026 – Following the events in Milan, Hub For Defenders has received dozens of reports and requests for assistance, mainly from parents of minors who were detained during the demonstrations. For this reason, the Hub has set up a legal team to offer support, monitor the reported situations and ensure that the rights and safeguards provided for by law are respected.

In the last few hours alone, 23 reports have been received, many of which concern minors and people of colour who, according to the reports, were allegedly detained for up to 12 hours at the police station without their parents being informed. The complaints received by the switchboard also include being denied food and water, being unable to make a phone call, and being detained without being told the reasons why.

Hub For Defenders is a national initiative aimed at protecting civic space and fundamental freedoms, promoted by a network of civil society organisations including ARCI, A SUD, Un Ponte Per, Amnesty International Italia, Giuristi Democratici and Legal Team Italia. By engaging professionals, it offers legal assistance, monitors potential violations and provides protection measures for individuals, activists and organisations who find themselves in particularly exposed and vulnerable situations.

The setting up of a legal team in Milan is a concrete response to a need for protection that has emerged in recent hours: the dozens of reports and requests for assistance concerning minors who were detained during the demonstrations.

Particular care is required when minors are involved. The specific safeguards provided for by law must be fully respected, including those relating to procedures, legal assistance and the involvement of family members.

The Hub is gathering information and assessing any critical issues. Monitoring potential violations of fundamental rights is an integral part of Hub For Defenders’ work. The Hub does not take a stance on the political substance of the demonstrations, nor does it pass judgement on individual responsibility, the determination of which is a matter for the judiciary. This does not mean that it is neutral with regard to the protection of civic space.

The Hub has, in fact, a clear stance: the right to demonstrate, to express dissent and to participate in democratic life must be protected. The safeguards of the rule of law must always be respected, even in the most contentious situations