Under the new rules, supported by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, law enforcement will be able to detain protesters for up to 12 hours without bringing charges, and it will also be easier to justify the use of self-defense. Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said the reforms are aimed at combating the rise of “organized aggression” during political protests.
The government attributes the new measures to recent violent protests in Turin, where activists took over a public center and police were injured during clashes.
The opposition criticized the decree as an attempt to intimidate dissent. Opposition leader Ellie Schlain said the new rules violate constitutional rights to free speech and peaceful assembly.
Earlier, people also protested over rumors that US Immigration Enforcement (ICE) agents were likely to be involved in security during the 2026 Olympic Games in Milan and northern Italy.
Italian officials insist that American agents will not participate in law enforcement activities, but will only cooperate with their Italian counterparts.
