Italian Mayor Bans Gatherings Of 3+ People, Soldiers Hit the Streets

Kernel Sanders · 08-04-08, 08:54 AM

Quote:

The anti-gathering laws were enacted as thousands of soldiers were due to take to the streets of Italian cities for the first time on Monday under a controversial move by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to fight crime.

Massimo Giordano, a member of Italy's anti immigration Northern League party, defended the anti-gathering motion and claimed it would cut down on unruly behaviour.

However opposition councillors said it was "reminiscent of Benito Mussolini's edict of the 1920's which banned groups of five or more people". [...]

Novara, which has a population of 100,000, is not seen as a particularly crime-ridden or violent city but the mayor passed the law after several elderly residents complained of noise.

He has also banned the consumption of alcohol at the city's station after 6pm and closed a immigrant cultural centre.

Opposition councillor Sara Paladini said: "There is no emergency situation in Novara - there is no need for such a Fascist edict. There are other better ways to tackle the city's problems."

But Mauro Franzinelli, the councillor in charge of security, said: "This is needed to limit public disturbance. The citizens of Novara asked for it. I understand opposition left councillors plan to gather and protest in groups of more than three - we will not fine them this time.

"One thing I will say though is that to compare the ordinance with Fascism is absurd. We are trying to solve issues but are being accused of Fascism"

A bit of an extreme reaction to old people complaining about noise.

PeteEU · 08-04-08, 10:00 AM

That's what you get when you vote in a right wing nuts as Berlusconi and Co. The military has been set into cities all over Italy to "curb crime", and the gypsies have been finger printed (ongoing still), but only the gypsies.

Italy is slowly turning into another right wing fascist state and it will get much worse if it continues.

Red_Dave · 08-04-08, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PeteEU

That's what you get when you vote in a right wing nuts as Berlusconi and Co. The military has been set into cities all over Italy to "curb crime", and the gypsies have been finger printed (ongoing still), but only the gypsies.

Thats the thing with this populist "cracking down on anti-social behavior" fetish alot of governments seam to be adopting. Its only those who are commonly victims of prejudice that are effected whereas others can carry on as normal. For example in my towns center anyone who congregates in a group of more then two can be "asked" to move on or they will be arrested. But all this results in is the persecution of the homeless, young people and those dressed unusually. All this legislation is doing is allowing the police to victimise people.

And this isnt just about minor inconviences. Its has a major effect on peoples lives. For example i met a guy who was homeless, as was his mother and wife, this meant that if he tried to meet with both at the same time he could be arrested.

This is the kind of thing the European Court of Human Rights should be doing something about but as ususual they will do nothing.

My uber eurosceptic farthers responce to this was amuseingly predictable "Well if the E.U carrys on as it is there will be Italian troops on *our* streets"

new coup for you · 08-04-08, 12:37 PM

Well the Italians have already finger printed gypsies on a national scale and the mayor of Rome is an open neo-Fascist who wears a celtic cross pendant (the symbol of White Nationalism) around his neck at all times.

And the country is ruled by its premiere media mogul who unabashedly displays extreme sexism.

DeeJayH · 08-04-08, 12:40 PM

if italy keeps going down this path, it will end up looking like America under Bush

bub · 08-08-08, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DeeJayH

if italy keeps going down this path, it will end up looking like America under Bush

What surprises me a lot, is that the Italians I know hate Bush