Organisers reported around 50,000 people marched in Rome on Saturday to protest against the government’s controversial ‘security bill’. The bill has faced criticism for allegedly undermining the right to peaceful protest.
The security bill introduces criminal penalties for blocking roads and railways, with offenders facing up to two years in prison. Critics claim this targets climate protesters, who have often used road blockades to highlight the urgency of addressing global heating. Previously, such actions were punished with administrative fines rather than criminal charges.
This legislation follows earlier measures imposing fines of up to €60,000 for protests involving damage or defacement of artworks and monuments, spurred by incidents such as the Last Generation (UG) climate group spraying substances on landmarks.
Nicola Fratoianni of the Green-Left Alliance (AVS) condemned the bill, saying, “Many people are on the streets to protest against a bill of fear, against the Right that aims to erase the right to freedom and dissent.”
Additional Provisions
The security package includes:
- Measures to protect police officers facing violence.
- New crimes for organising or participating in prison revolts.
- Faster procedures to clear illegally occupied buildings.
- Tougher penalties for scams targeting the elderly.
- Criminalisation of ‘passive resistance’ tactics, such as hunger strikes.
It also prohibits businesses from selling SIM cards to individuals without valid ID and a residence permit.
A particularly controversial provision removes exemptions that previously prevented pregnant women and mothers of children under one year from serving prison sentences. This is seen as targeting pickpockets operating on public transport.
Public Concerns
The bill has sparked widespread criticism for its potential to suppress dissent and disproportionately impact vulnerable groups. Protesters argue that it prioritises repression over addressing social and environmental issues, with many calling for its withdrawal.
