Italy’s Senate has approved a comprehensive security decree that imposes strict regulations on public protests, criminalizes squatting, and bans the sale of legal cannabis products. This legislation, backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s right-wing coalition, passed with a vote of 109 to 69, with one abstention, following a contentious session marked by protests from opposition lawmakers.
The new decree specifically targets anti-government demonstrations, including those related to climate change, prohibiting road blockages and the defacement of public property. This aims to deter activists who have previously disrupted traffic or vandalized monuments in protest of environmental policies.
Additionally, the law introduces harsher penalties for protests that escalate into clashes with police, especially when resulting in injuries. It also grants legal protections of up to 10,000 euros (approximately $11,385) for law enforcement personnel facing legal scrutiny for actions taken during such protests.
A significant aspect of the decree is the prohibition on the sale of ‘cannabis light,’ a product derived from hemp that contains low levels of THC and is often marketed as a non-intoxicating alternative to marijuana. This ban has sparked outrage among local entrepreneurs, who argue it threatens thousands of jobs and could result in substantial financial losses for the industry, which has been gaining traction in Italy. Many entrepreneurs had invested millions of euros into the hemp sector, expecting it to flourish under previous more lenient regulations.
The decree also revokes an exemption from imprisonment for convicted pregnant women or those with infants, a measure critics argue was exploited by some to evade punishment for repeat offenses. Supporters of the measure, including Senator Gianni Berrino of Meloni’s Brothers of Italy party, argue that it is necessary to prevent abuse of the justice system.
Opposition leaders, such as Francesco Boccia from the Democratic Party, condemned the decree as a means of stifling dissent, claiming it disproportionately affects children and students involved in protests. Boccia stated, ‘We challenge a government that wants to imprison children, students who strike, and protesters outside factories.’
The decree is part of Meloni’s broader agenda to strengthen law and order in Italy, a response to public demand for tougher measures following a series of incidents involving protests and crime. Although the coalition enjoys support in polls, critics question the effectiveness of such broad legislation and warn that it may contribute to worsening conditions in Italy’s overcrowded prisons.
As Italy grapples with these new regulations, the future of the cannabis industry and civil liberties remains uncertain amidst escalating tensions between the government and various activist groups.
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