Italy Passes Stricter Penalties for Road Blockades

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The Italian Chamber of Deputies approved a new measure last night that enforces stricter penalties for road blockades. The measure, part of Article 11 in the current security bill under discussion, introduces prison sentences of up to one month for individuals blocking roads alone, and up to two years for groups involved in such activities.

Currently, these actions are punishable only by fines ranging from €1,000 to €4,000. The opposition has criticized the measure, calling it an “Anti-Gandhi” provision, arguing that it severely restricts the right to protest in Italy.

The right-wing government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni introduced this measure in response to recent climate protests, where activists organized blockades on busy roads, disrupting traffic.

Opposition leader Federico Cafiero De Raho from the Five Star Movement expressed concern, stating, “These are dangerous regulations that could result in even peaceful protests, like student sit-ins, leading to prison sentences of up to two years. It is clear that the government intends to intimidate and limit peaceful demonstrations.”

Meanwhile, the ruling Forza Italia party defended the law. Senate leader Maurizio Gasparri argued, “Gandhi was a hero of freedom. We are targeting reckless activists who cause accidents with their road blockades, not peaceful protests.”