incivility, demonstrations… Meloni’s legislative tightening

It is a turn of the screw in the Italian penal code: with this new law on security, the government of Giorgia Meloni plans to create 14 new crimes, among which that of passive resistance. Not obeying a police order to disperse, even peacefully, would now be punishable by one to six years in prison. The government is targeting environmental activists and their shock actions, who have become the bête noire of the Italian far right.

In the law, which some observers have described as a “catch-all,” prison sentences could be harsher for those who block traffic, damage public buildings, incite begging or squatters. The measures also target migrants, who are now banned from buying a SIM card without a residence permit. The bill is being championed by Matteo Salvini, Italy’s vice president, who believes it falls under the “common sense“.