Meloni combines Ernst's principles with Law and Order, sparking debates over potential overreach.
In Italy, Protest Could Land You in Prison - Is This a Step Too Far for Meloni's Government?
By Andrea Affaticati, Milan
Italy's latest political law is creating quite a stir. Known as the "Security Decree," it has raised concerns about the future of freedom of expression and civil rights in Italy.
With a focus on cracking down on protest actions, the new law grants severe penalties for activities like street and rail blockades, which could land protesters with fines or up to two years in slammer. Even actions against works of art, such as those made by eco-activists, will see tougher consequences.
When it comes to violent or threatening protest actions, the stakes get even higher – a prison sentence of up to five years and a fine of up to 15,000 euros are on the table. And that's not all – more people could be at risk of incarceration, including those engaging in passive resistance in prisons, migrants protesting in detention camps, and people involved in illegal house and apartment occupations.
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Stricter protective measures for security forces are another key aspect of the new regulations. Those who attack or physically harm officers will face harsher punishments. As part of their duties, officers will be allowed to wear body cameras during their service, and they will be allowed to carry a weapon, even off-duty. If an incident occurs during their service that leads to legal action, officers will be provided with financial assistance of up to 10,000 euros.
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University of Milan Professor of Criminal Law, Gian Luigi Gatta, expressed that some of these new measures sounded quite severe and seemed to provide security forces with more leeway. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, however, expressed her satisfaction with the new law, stating that it marks a significant step towards ensuring more security for citizens and the men and women in uniform.
Opposition leaders, such as Elly Schlein, Chairwoman of the Democratic Party, label the law as repressive, arguing that it is not about more security but more repression. Opposition protests, including sit-ins, have already taken place in the Senate.
A Return to Fascist Policing?
One issue that has drawn particular criticism is the new focus on targeting and punishing passive resistance in detention facilities. Under the new law, organizing a rebellion, participating in one, or even passively resisting can be considered a criminal offense, earning protesters five extra years in prison. Critics argue that this is a worrying development, as it opens the door to authoritarian practices and erodes checks and balances.
Another area of concern is the potential for the new law to disproportionately affect marginalized communities, such as the Roma people, who are often subjected to discrimination in Italy. One of the most contentious aspects of the new law is the fact that pregnant women can be imprisoned if deemed necessary. Although there are restrictions on where pregnant women can be held – specifically, in specialized facilities – there are only a few of these facilities in Italy, leading to concerns about overcrowding and inadequate care.
The new law has also been criticized for its disproportionate punishment for certain offenses, such as illegal occupation, which is now punishable by up to seven years in prison – a punishment traditionally applied to more serious offenses like murder or grand larceny.
Sources:
[1] Amnesty International
[2] Reuters
[3] The Guardian
[4] The Local Italy
[5] EuroNews
- The new law, termed the "Security Decree," is under scrutiny due to its policy-and-legislation regarding war-and-conflicts, as it significantly increases penalties for protest actions, such as street and rail blockades, which may lead to prison sentences.
- The employment policy of the new law includes stricter protective measures for security forces, introducing harsher punishments for attacks on or physical harm to officers, as well as providing financial assistance for officers in the event of legal action.
- Critics argue that the community policy outlined in the Security Decree, particularly the new focus on targeting and punishing passive resistance in detention facilities, may lead to authoritarian practices, erode checks and balances, and disproportionately impact marginalized communities like the Roma people.
