The new right-wing administration in Italy signalled on Monday that it would tighten down on illegal rave gatherings, with organisers facing jail terms of up to six years.
The relocation came after a weekend Halloween party near the northern city of Modena, which drew over 1,000 guests from Italy and abroad and resulted in complaints about noise and its effect on local traffic.
“We have shown that the state won’t turn a blind eye and fail to act when faced with law-breaking,” Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni told a news conference, saying Italy needed to tighten the rules to bring it into line with European neighbours.
The larger rave that took place in Viterbo last year, when two reported deaths and damage to a natural beauty spot were reported, was referenced by Meloni, whose government took office in October on a promise to be strict on law and order.
“The impression that the Italian state has given in recent years is one of being lax when it comes to respecting the rules and the law,” she said.
According to plans approved by her government, anyone responsible for throwing such events may eventually spend between three and six years in prison and have the equipment used at the raves seized.
Also Read : India to use COP27 to urge rich countries to keep $100 bn climate fund pledge
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi said at a news conference that the new offence would apply to unauthorised gatherings of at least 50 individuals that endanger public health, safety, or order.
The Modena celebration, which was supposed to go until Tuesday, was quietly put to a stop at noon on Monday when partygoers and the police who had gathered there decided to turn off the music and leave.
(with inputs from agencies)
