A-Infos (en) Spaine, LIZA[Italy]: Repression and the Police State in Meloni's Italy (ca, de, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

Collective Resistance to DDL 1660 in a Context of Rising 
Authoritarianism: A Collective Cry in the Streets ---- On October 5, 
nearly 10,000 people gathered in the streets of Rome in a massive 
demonstration that echoed the resistance against the increasing 
repressive measures of Giorgia Meloni's government. The crowd, united by 
the defense of civil rights and the fight against oppression (and 
repression), made it clear that the voice of the people cannot be 
silenced. This day of protest not only represented opposition to "DDL 
1660," a bill that seeks to restrict fundamental freedoms and 
criminalize dissent, but also stood in solidarity with the Palestinian 
and Lebanese people, reminding that the fight for justice is a global fight.

However, this day unfolded in a manner that has few recent precedents: 
stops on getting off trains, searches on buses (even private ones), 
stops at motorway toll booths... In fact, some buses coming from other 
cities were stopped, searched and escorted to the limits of the province 
of Rome.

More than 1,600 people were controlled by state forces, 200 in total 
were expelled from the city, 51 of whom received expulsion orders for a 
period of between 6 months and 4 years. These precautionary measures 
were imposed on anyone who had even one ongoing case (not yet concluded) 
for crimes attributable to the demonstrations in the square.

The square where the demonstration took place was intensely controlled, 
with exits blocked and access points restricted by control gates, where 
documents were requested and identifications were carried out. This made 
it difficult for thousands of people to arrive safely, creating an 
atmosphere of tension. Despite calls to allow free movement, the 
authorities continued to attack the demonstrators in Piazzale Ostiense, 
leading to fierce clashes between the demonstrators and the police, who 
responded with batons and tear gas. The clashes resulted in the arrest 
of four people (including Tiziano, who faces house arrest pending trial) 
and at least 24 injured officers, 20 from the police and 4 from the 
Guardia di Finanza (fiscal police); as well as three demonstrators, 
according to local media.

The police subsequently carried out raids and provocations in various 
areas of the city. Solidarity was announced for those arrested, 
including the 51 people with deportation orders, and legal and political 
resources were mobilized in their defense. The slogans, which called for 
resistance against war and colonialism, found a particular echo in the 
current context of Italy, where DDL 1660 threatens to strip citizens of 
their fundamental rights.

The far right in power and repression

Italy, throughout its recent history, has witnessed a growing wave of 
repressive measures that have limited individual and collective 
freedoms. From the government of Matteo Salvini to the current one of 
Giorgia Meloni, various laws have been passed that restrict the right to 
protest and criminalize actions of resistance. This pattern of 
oppression is not new: it is part of a political tradition that sees 
dissent as a threat to the stability of the state. The same has been 
experienced in the Spanish state since 2015 with the reform of the 
Citizen Security Law also known as the "Gag Law", in which new powers 
and faculties were introduced for the police.

In this sense, DDL 1660 is nothing more than the culmination of a 
process of erosion of rights that has accelerated in recent years. 
Italy's history is marked by social movements that have fought for 
fundamental rights, and now, faced with this new threat, it is essential 
to remember the lessons of the past and strengthen unity in the struggle.

DDL 1660 - A weapon against dissent

DDL 1660, dubbed the "baton law" or "anti-Ghandi law" by its critics, 
has been presented as a necessary response to the "emergency" facing 
Italy, but in reality it is a calculated attempt to silence dissent and 
control social struggles. This bill, which has been discussed in the 
Chambers since September 10, introduces new penalties and criminal 
categories that seriously threaten the right to protest. According to 
the manifesto issued by various collectives, this law seeks to "settle 
accounts" with the realities of ongoing struggle and curb any organized 
resistance.

DDL 1660 presents a set of measures that transform the legal framework 
in which social struggles operate. This legislation stands as a wall 
against collective action, seeking to crush dissenting voices calling 
for justice.

Some of the most worrying provisions include:

Roadblocks as a criminal offence: Roadblocks become a criminal offence 
with sentences of up to 2 years in prison.
Protests in prisons and detention centres: Demonstrations in prisons and 
immigration centres can be punished with sentences of up to 20 years in 
prison.
Protests against large construction projects: Protests against large 
construction projects are also criminalised, with punishments similar to 
those above.
Propaganda for social struggles: "Propaganda" related to social 
struggles is considered punishable, with sentences of up to 6 years, 
under the label of "word terrorism". Some of the cases already underway 
can serve as an example: pro-Palestinian activism or the Scripta Scelera 
case.
Occupation of vacant houses: Occupation of empty properties, as well as 
solidarity with such occupations, can carry sentences of up to 7 years 
in prison.
Active resistance: A penalty of up to 15 years is established for active 
resistance during demonstrations or clashes with the authorities.
Passive resistance: Passive resistance, considered a new crime (called 
"anti-Ghandi"), can be punished with sentences of up to 4 years in prison.
Power of law enforcement: Law enforcement is given the power to carry a 
second personal weapon, in addition to their official weapon, even when 
not on duty.
Prison for pregnant women: The exception that excluded pregnant women or 
women with children under 1 year of age from going to prison is 
eliminated, so they can be imprisoned immediately.
Restrictions on undocumented immigrants: Undocumented immigrants are 
prohibited from using cell phones, linking the acquisition of a SIM card 
to the possession of a residence permit.
These measures have a devastating impact on current struggles, as they 
seek to delegitimize and criminalize collective action and social 
protest. The implementation of this legislation not only creates a 
climate of fear, but also prevents the development of movements that 
seek to transform society.

The controversial measures of the Meloni government

In addition to DDL 1660, Giorgia Meloni's government has implemented 
other controversial measures that have generated deep social unrest. 
Many see it as a return to a nostalgic past of Italy that was never 
buried. These include:

Arrest of activists: Cases such as that of Luigi Spera and Giacomo 
Baggio Zilio show how peaceful activism, even in non-violent protests, 
is repressed with arrests and severe charges. Spera was jailed for 
protesting in front of an arms company, and Zilio faces anti-mafia 
restrictions for throwing confetti at an environmental demonstration.
Restriction of the right to abortion: Pressure has been put on women 
seeking abortions, forcing them to go through humiliating processes such 
as listening to the heartbeat of the fetus before being able to proceed. 
In addition, the influence of anti-abortion activists within clinics has 
increased, making access to this right more difficult.
Promotion of conservative and traditional values: The defence of the 
traditional family has been promoted, limiting the rights of the LGBT+ 
community and restricting access to equal marriage, adoption and other 
legal protections for same-sex couples.
Anti-immigration policies: Italy has closed its ports to ships rescuing 
migrants in the Mediterranean, reinforcing a racist and xenophobic 
narrative. Refugees and migrants are portrayed as criminals and their 
rejection has been justified in the name of national protection.
Promotion of nationalism: Meloni's government, especially through 
figures such as Matteo Salvini, has promoted policies that reinforce the 
idea of "Italy for Italians", exacerbating nationalist sentiments and 
excluding immigrants, refugees and ethnic minorities.
Penalties for squatters: Sentences of two to seven years in prison for 
occupying property or preventing access to owners.
Chemical castration for sexual offenders: Proposal to establish a 
technical commission to study the possible implementation of chemical 
castration, although its effectiveness is disputed. This proposal 
reflects a punitive approach rather than one focused on prevention and 
treatment.
Reinstatement of compulsory military service: Proposals to reinstate 
compulsory military service have been discussed in parliament, opening 
the door to possible militarism in society.
Ban on Light Cannabis (CBD): The decree that equates light cannabis with 
other drugs affects a sector that had grown significantly, generating 
criticism from various organizations.

End of the Exception for Pregnant Women: The elimination of the clause 
that excluded pregnant women or women with children under one year of 
age from going to prison is a clear example of the government's 
repressive approach.
These measures have been the subject of strong criticism from the 
opposition, jurists and human rights organizations, who consider them 
liberticidal and aligned with an authoritarian approach.

The response of social movements

In the face of increasing repression, social movements have responded 
with determination and unity. The demonstration on October 5 was just 
one of many actions organized in opposition to DDL 1660 and the 
government's repressive measures. The manifesto issued by various groups 
is a call for solidarity and collective action, highlighting that the 
struggle cannot be divided by ideological or tactical differences.

The assemblies organized in different cities have sought to create 
permanent coordination between movements, collectives and organizations, 
establishing local nodes that promote the fight against DDL 1660 and the 
militarization of politics. The importance of a unified mobilisation, 
transcending sectoral boundaries and encouraging collective action in 
defence of human rights and social justice, has been emphasised.

On 21 September, a demonstration against war, NATO and military spending 
was organised in Florence, as part of a series of coordinated actions to 
confront DDL 1660. The mobilisations in Bologna and other cities have 
succeeded in attracting diverse sectors of society, showing that 
resistance is possible when working in unity.

Implications of repression

DDL 1660 is a symptom of a worrying trend: the growing authoritarianism 
of right-wing governments in Europe. What is happening in Italy is not 
an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a global movement that seeks to 
consolidate power at the expense of civil liberties.

The repression and the tightening of laws under the Meloni government 
have profound implications for Italian society. The criminalisation of 
dissent and the delegitimisation of protest are tactics that seek to 
dismantle the social fabric of resistance and empowerment. By 
introducing measures that limit freedom of expression and the right to 
protest, the government is sowing a climate of fear that can result in 
the demobilisation of social struggles and the growing strength of 
authoritarian groups.


Repressive policy also has a disproportionate effect on the most 
vulnerable communities, who are the most affected by austerity measures 
and oppression. Criminalised passive resistance in prisons and shelters 
is a clear example of how the Meloni government's policies dehumanise 
vulnerable groups.

The increase in powers for the police and impunity in cases of abuse 
represent a setback in the protection of human rights and a 
normalisation of institutional and street violence. This situation is 
alarming, as, if not addressed with determination, it can lead to an 
irreversible erosion of civil rights in Italy.

Social movements must be aware that the struggle is not only against 
specific laws, but against a system that seeks to repress any form of 
resistance. It is vital that these movements not only resist oppression, 
but also articulate an alternative vision of society based on social 
justice, equity and respect for human rights.

How is the anti-capitalist movement in Italy doing?

Speaking to comrades in Rome, they tell us that the anti-capitalist 
movement in Italy faces a number of profound challenges, both due to its 
history and the current socio-political context. From its origins, it 
has been marked by a rich theoretical tradition and a high degree of 
internal debate. Over the years, this fragmentation has generated 
various divisions that have affected both its cohesion and its ability 
to organize effectively. The coexistence of contradictory approaches, 
both in theoretical and practical terms, has made it difficult for the 
movement to function as a united force. Furthermore, the legacy of the 
Italian Communist Party (PCI) has been a key factor in shaping the 
Italian left, as the PCI, by occupying much of the political space, 
blocked the development of more radical currents such as anarchism and 
autonomism. With the demise of the PCI, its successor, the Democratic 
Party, has moved away from leftist ideas and adopted a neoliberal 
stance, further alienating anti-capitalist movements.

At the organisational level, the movement faces serious difficulties. 
Although squats have historically been key points of resistance, keeping 
them open in the current context of repression and scarcity of resources 
is becoming increasingly complicated. The lack of internal cohesion 
within the movement exacerbates this problem, as intergenerational 
conflicts and ideological divisions limit effective cooperation. 
Furthermore, the widespread disinterest of Italian society towards the 
anti-capitalist movement has contributed to its invisibility. Despite 
state repression, the movement is not perceived as dangerous, but rather 
as irrelevant, which hinders its ability to influence public opinion and 
mobilise new followers. This apathy, in combination with a dominant 
bourgeois discourse that predominates in educational institutions and 
the media, reinforces the idea that social struggles lack real impact.

Despite these obstacles, the anti-capitalist movement in Italy continues 
to resist. The presence of committed and theoretically sound activists, 
such as anarchists, shows that, although a minority, the movement still 
has the capacity to generate fear in the power structures. However, its 
main challenge is to attract a new generation of militants and overcome 
the fragmentation that limits its effectiveness. While it is not a 
question of seeking a parliamentary or electoral majority, the lack of 
mass participation in the organisational structures of the movement 
prevents it from having a greater impact on political struggles. The 
future of the movement depends on its ability to overcome social apathy, 
revitalise its strategies and adapt to an increasingly repressive 
context, without losing sight of the importance of maintaining a radical 
and anti-capitalist spirit.

A call to resistance

As discussions about DDL 1660 and other repressive measures progress, it 
is crucial to reflect on how the situation might evolve. History has 
shown that, in times of greatest oppression, collective responses often 
become stronger. While criminalizing protest seeks to demobilize, it can 
also result in a revitalization of activism and the creation of new 
forms of resistance.

Social movements have a responsibility to articulate strategies that not 
only resist repressive laws, but also propose viable alternatives. 
International solidarity plays a fundamental role in this context; it is 
imperative that local struggles connect with global struggles. 
Resistance to the occupation and the fight for Palestinian rights, 
alongside the fight against state repression, are examples of how 
diverse fronts can intertwine and mutually strengthen each other.

Furthermore, it is necessary for movements to work on creating safe 
spaces for debate and organization. Building support networks and 
promoting direct action are key strategies to counter repression. 
Struggles for housing, work, and the right to health must be at the core 
of a unified agenda that challenges authoritarianism in all its forms.

It is crucial that the community mobilizes and takes action in the face 
of these measures. History has shown that rights are not irrevocable and 
that they must always be defended. We therefore call on everyone to join 
the fight, participate in demonstrations, assemblies and resistance actions.

Solidarity and mutual support are the foundation on which movements for 
change are built. Unity is strength! We will not allow our rights and 
freedoms to be trampled on. Rights are never permanent. It is the 
responsibility of each person to defend them, because history has shown 
us that social progress and freedoms can be taken away if they are not 
actively protected.

Building a more just and equitable future depends on our ability to 
organize and fight together. Be it in the Italian, Spanish, Palestinian 
or Russian state.

The defense of rights is a continuous struggle: There are no Irrevocable 
Rights!

DDL 1660 symbolizes the fragility of the rights and freedoms that we 
take for granted. In Italy, we are seeing how a democratic government 
can, under the pretext of security, progressively dismantle social gains 
that cost decades of struggle. But this situation is not irreversible. 
The mobilization of October 5 is just one example of the power that the 
people have when they organize and respond firmly to injustice.

There are no irrevocable rights. Social conquests are not gifts bestowed 
by governments, but victories won through the constant struggle of the 
people. If we want to protect our rights, we must always be ready to 
defend them, to question power and to resist measures that seek to take 
them away from us. Italy is at a critical moment, and the future of its 
democratic rights depends on the ability of its people to unite and fight.

Resistance is the only way, and history is on our side. As the manifesto 
of the social movements expressed after the demonstration on October 5: 
"Freedom is not a natural state; it is a constant conquest." Today more 
than ever, we must remember these words and continue the fight. 
Authoritarianism can be defeated, but only if we keep our guard up and 
remain united. Because rights, like freedom, only exist as long as we 
are willing to defend them.

Diogo, Liza activist

https://www.regeneracionlibertaria.org/2024/10/17/represion-y-estado-policial-en-la-italia-de-meloni/
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