The Italian Senate has recently enacted a contentious security bill, officially converting it into law, following a vote tally of 109 to 69. This legislation, endorsed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s far-right government, broadens police protections and enforces stricter regulations concerning protest-related infractions. The bill had previously been approved by the lower house of Parliament on May 29 (source).
Prime Minister Meloni hailed this legislative milestone, expressing that it serves as a critical measure to bolster the protection of both citizens and law enforcement officers. Furthermore, she emphasizes that it equips the police with enhanced resources crucial for safeguarding their mandate (source).
Key provisions of the Security Decree introduce tougher penalties for individuals involved in unauthorized demonstrations, disruptive sit-ins, and property damage during protests. Passive forms of protest, such as road blockades or passive resistance, have also been criminalized. Those resisting or injuring police officers on duty face heightened penalties, while law enforcement personnel are offered significant stipends to cover legal fees in conduct-related inquiries.
This legislation has sparked notable controversy, with public demonstrations organized by Amnesty International taking place in various locations across Italy as early as January. These protests underline public dissent regarding perceived infringements on civil liberties (source).
During the Senate’s deliberative session, opposition members notably staged a protest in the chamber, emphasizing their lamentation through chants of “shame, shame.” Francesco Boccia, leader of the Democratic Party, chastised the bill as authoritarian and highlighted that non-violent protests might now result in prison terms of two or more years based on the protest’s location, such as streets, universities, or factories (source).
Critiques of the bill have also been voiced by international human rights bodies. In December 2024, the Council of Europe’s Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty, wrote to the Italian Senate’s President, highlighting concerns over potential infringements on freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. O’Flaherty noted the vague definitions within the bill could incite arbitrary and disproportionate enactment (source).
The law has continued to face international backlash, with various rights organizations criticizing its potential repercussions on freedoms within Italy (source).
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