Italy's Security Crackdown: From Raves to Youth Gangs

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is considering a new decree against violence following recent riots, which would be the latest in a series of security measures since it took office in October 2022. The executive has issued numerous decree-laws targeting areas such as illegal raves, public demonstrations, youth gangs, and knives in schools, while also introducing nearly 60 new crimes and measures to protect law enforcement. The first intervention came after an illegal rave in Modena, introducing penalties including prison sentences for organizing such events. Following the Cutro shipwreck in February 2023, which killed over 90 migrants, the government increased penalties for human trafficking and illegal migrant transport. These actions reflect a pattern of responding to major incidents with legislative measures.