Italy's Meloni 'proud' of contested rave clamp down

The Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Maloni on Wednesday (2 November) defended a strict crackdown on unlicensed rave clubs that was introduced by her new government this week and denied any claims it infringed on the public freedoms.

Organisers of unauthorised mass parties are subject to a maximum six-year sentence and fines of €1,000 to €10,000 for staging such events.

Meloni seemed to rule out any change of heart from political opponents who claim that the penalties are too harsh.

She stated in a statement: "This is a regulation I support and of which I am proud."

She said: "It is right that we prosecute those who, often from all over Europe participate in illegal raves...without respecting safety regulations, and, more importantly, favoring drug dealing or drug use."

Critics also warn that the loosely drafted law, which was approved by the cabinet for the first time since its inception, could be used against any kind of public demonstration or student rally.

Meloni stated that her government did not intend to restrict freedom of expression. She said: "I want to assure all citizens...that we will not deny anybody the right to express their dissent."

After a weekend of Halloween parties in Modena's northern city, Modena attracted over 1,000 people from Italy and around the world. There were complaints about noise and traffic issues.

Police used existing security laws to quickly disperse the party. Police allowed around 2,000 supporters to Benito Mussolini, wartime dictator, to hold an unauthorised rally in Predappio, his birthplace.

Matteo Piantedosi, Interior Minister, denied any similarities between the events. He told Corriere dilla Sera newspaper that the Mussolini march has been going on for years without any problems and under the watchful eye of the police.

Share this article: