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The bill would legalise agents participating in or directing terrorist organisations if done in the name of national security.
News Based on facts, either observed and verified directly by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
The weekend’s protests in Rome and Bologna, organised in memory of Ramy, a young man killed during a police chase in Milan, drew strong reactions from government leaders. [Stefano Guidi/Getty Images]
Languages: Français
ROME – Italy was rocked by protests over the weekend, prompting the government to call for a quick approval of the controversial Security Bill, a cornerstone of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s government that has divided opposition, the Council of Europe and families of victims of mafia and terrorist attacks.
The weekend’s protests in Rome and Bologna, organised in memory of Ramy, a young man killed during a police chase in Milan, drew strong reactions from government leaders.
Meloni condemned the incidents as “shameful” Defence Minister Guiseppe Crosetto called for legislation to protect law enforcement better enforcement, while Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini sharply criticised the protesters, describing them as “red criminals” who were attacking the police.
The bill, which had already been passed by the lower house of parliament, returned to the Senate for debate on Monday.
Among its provisions are tougher penalties for property damage during demonstrations, extended urban banning orders for those accused or convicted of offences during protests, and prison sentences ranging from six months to two years for organising sit-ins that disrupt railways, roads or highways.
The bill also includes significant measures to support law enforcement officers. These range from allowing certain types of weapons to be carried off-duty without a licence to covering up to €10,000 in legal costs for actions taken in the line of duty. It also introduces the offence of causing bodily harm to an officer or agent in the line of duty.
One of the most controversial aspects, particularly among associations representing victims of mafia and terrorism, is the extension of powers to the secret services. Under the bill, agents could commit certain crimes, including participating in or directing terrorist organisations, without being held accountable if this is done in the name of national security.
Criticism has also come from Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights Michael O’Flaherty, who sent a letter to Senate President Ignazio La Russa on 20 December. O’Flaherty expressed concern that the bill was incompatible with European human rights standards, particularly with regard to protesters, detainees, young environmental activists and migrants.
The letter highlighted the introduction of vaguely defined offences punishable by harsh prison sentences, such as non-violent protests that block traffic or passive resistance in prisons and migrant centres.
“These provisions risk arbitrary and disproportionate applications, creating a chilling effect on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” O’Flaherty warned.
The opposition also condemned the violence, with Democratic Party leader Elly Schlein warning against politicising the events. Schlein stressed the importance of the statements made by Ramy’s family, who have urged against any exploitation of their tragedy.
(Alessia Peretti | Euractiv.it)
Languages: Français
Updated: 14-01-2025
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