The Italian government has decided to hit with an iron fist not only the violent participants in the street protests, but also the organizers who use digital platforms for their gathering. Through the new decree on urban security, the executive has foreseen very harsh measures for all those who incite or create groups with the aim of causing riots.
The news has been confirmed by the highest justice officials in the country immediately after the end of the government cabinet meeting. During the press release at Palazzo Chigi, the Minister of Justice, Carlo Nordio, announced that this measure is directly aimed at preventing the organization of violence through virtual spaces.
Under the new legal framework, the legislation will severely punish any form of inducement or remote cooperation. As Minister Nordio himself stated during the press conference, “there is a special crime punishable by four to twelve years in prison for anyone who, even through computer or electronic means, promotes the formation of a group” for these “violent demonstrations”.
This intervention comes in response to the widespread use of social networks and messaging applications to coordinate clashes with law enforcement, shifting criminal responsibility even to those who operate behind the screen.
