Collective Resistance to DDL 1660 in a Context of Rising
Authoritarianism: A Collective Cry in the Streets ---- On October 5,nearly 10,000 people gathered in the streets of Rome in a massive
demonstration that echoed the resistance against the increasing
repressive measures of Giorgia Meloni's government. The crowd, united by
the defense of civil rights and the fight against oppression (and
repression), made it clear that the voice of the people cannot be
silenced. This day of protest not only represented opposition to "DDL
1660," a bill that seeks to restrict fundamental freedoms and
criminalize dissent, but also stood in solidarity with the Palestinian
and Lebanese people, reminding that the fight for justice is a global fight.
However, this day unfolded in a manner that has few recent precedents:
stops on getting off trains, searches on buses (even private ones),
stops at motorway toll booths... In fact, some buses coming from other
cities were stopped, searched and escorted to the limits of the province
of Rome.
More than 1,600 people were controlled by state forces, 200 in total
were expelled from the city, 51 of whom received expulsion orders for a
period of between 6 months and 4 years. These precautionary measures
were imposed on anyone who had even one ongoing case (not yet concluded)
for crimes attributable to the demonstrations in the square.
The square where the demonstration took place was intensely controlled,
with exits blocked and access points restricted by control gates, where
documents were requested and identifications were carried out. This made
it difficult for thousands of people to arrive safely, creating an
atmosphere of tension. Despite calls to allow free movement, the
authorities continued to attack the demonstrators in Piazzale Ostiense,
leading to fierce clashes between the demonstrators and the police, who
responded with batons and tear gas. The clashes resulted in the arrest
of four people (including Tiziano, who faces house arrest pending trial)
and at least 24 injured officers, 20 from the police and 4 from the
Guardia di Finanza (fiscal police); as well as three demonstrators,
according to local media.
The police subsequently carried out raids and provocations in various
areas of the city. Solidarity was announced for those arrested,
including the 51 people with deportation orders, and legal and political
resources were mobilized in their defense. The slogans, which called for
resistance against war and colonialism, found a particular echo in the
current context of Italy, where DDL 1660 threatens to strip citizens of
their fundamental rights.
The far right in power and repression
Italy, throughout its recent history, has witnessed a growing wave of
repressive measures that have limited individual and collective
freedoms. From the government of Matteo Salvini to the current one of
Giorgia Meloni, various laws have been passed that restrict the right to
protest and criminalize actions of resistance. This pattern of
oppression is not new: it is part of a political tradition that sees
dissent as a threat to the stability of the state. The same has been
experienced in the Spanish state since 2015 with the reform of the
Citizen Security Law also known as the "Gag Law", in which new powers
and faculties were introduced for the police.
In this sense, DDL 1660 is nothing more than the culmination of a
process of erosion of rights that has accelerated in recent years.
Italy's history is marked by social movements that have fought for
fundamental rights, and now, faced with this new threat, it is essential
to remember the lessons of the past and strengthen unity in the struggle.
DDL 1660 - A weapon against dissent
DDL 1660, dubbed the "baton law" or "anti-Ghandi law" by its critics,
has been presented as a necessary response to the "emergency" facing
Italy, but in reality it is a calculated attempt to silence dissent and
control social struggles. This bill, which has been discussed in the
Chambers since September 10, introduces new penalties and criminal
categories that seriously threaten the right to protest. According to
the manifesto issued by various collectives, this law seeks to "settle
accounts" with the realities of ongoing struggle and curb any organized
resistance.
DDL 1660 presents a set of measures that transform the legal framework
in which social struggles operate. This legislation stands as a wall
against collective action, seeking to crush dissenting voices calling
for justice.
Some of the most worrying provisions include:
Roadblocks as a criminal offence: Roadblocks become a criminal offence
with sentences of up to 2 years in prison.
Protests in prisons and detention centres: Demonstrations in prisons and
immigration centres can be punished with sentences of up to 20 years in
prison.
Protests against large construction projects: Protests against large
construction projects are also criminalised, with punishments similar to
those above.
Propaganda for social struggles: "Propaganda" related to social
struggles is considered punishable, with sentences of up to 6 years,
under the label of "word terrorism". Some of the cases already underway
can serve as an example: pro-Palestinian activism or the Scripta Scelera
case.
Occupation of vacant houses: Occupation of empty properties, as well as
solidarity with such occupations, can carry sentences of up to 7 years
in prison.
Active resistance: A penalty of up to 15 years is established for active
resistance during demonstrations or clashes with the authorities.
Passive resistance: Passive resistance, considered a new crime (called
"anti-Ghandi"), can be punished with sentences of up to 4 years in prison.
Power of law enforcement: Law enforcement is given the power to carry a
second personal weapon, in addition to their official weapon, even when
not on duty.
Prison for pregnant women: The exception that excluded pregnant women or
women with children under 1 year of age from going to prison is
eliminated, so they can be imprisoned immediately.
Restrictions on undocumented immigrants: Undocumented immigrants are
prohibited from using cell phones, linking the acquisition of a SIM card
to the possession of a residence permit.
These measures have a devastating impact on current struggles, as they
seek to delegitimize and criminalize collective action and social
protest. The implementation of this legislation not only creates a
climate of fear, but also prevents the development of movements that
seek to transform society.
The controversial measures of the Meloni government
In addition to DDL 1660, Giorgia Meloni's government has implemented
other controversial measures that have generated deep social unrest.
Many see it as a return to a nostalgic past of Italy that was never
buried. These include:
Arrest of activists: Cases such as that of Luigi Spera and Giacomo
Baggio Zilio show how peaceful activism, even in non-violent protests,
is repressed with arrests and severe charges. Spera was jailed for
protesting in front of an arms company, and Zilio faces anti-mafia
restrictions for throwing confetti at an environmental demonstration.
Restriction of the right to abortion: Pressure has been put on women
seeking abortions, forcing them to go through humiliating processes such
as listening to the heartbeat of the fetus before being able to proceed.
In addition, the influence of anti-abortion activists within clinics has
increased, making access to this right more difficult.
Promotion of conservative and traditional values: The defence of the
traditional family has been promoted, limiting the rights of the LGBT+
community and restricting access to equal marriage, adoption and other
legal protections for same-sex couples.
Anti-immigration policies: Italy has closed its ports to ships rescuing
migrants in the Mediterranean, reinforcing a racist and xenophobic
narrative. Refugees and migrants are portrayed as criminals and their
rejection has been justified in the name of national protection.
Promotion of nationalism: Meloni's government, especially through
figures such as Matteo Salvini, has promoted policies that reinforce the
idea of "Italy for Italians", exacerbating nationalist sentiments and
excluding immigrants, refugees and ethnic minorities.
Penalties for squatters: Sentences of two to seven years in prison for
occupying property or preventing access to owners.
Chemical castration for sexual offenders: Proposal to establish a
technical commission to study the possible implementation of chemical
castration, although its effectiveness is disputed. This proposal
reflects a punitive approach rather than one focused on prevention and
treatment.
Reinstatement of compulsory military service: Proposals to reinstate
compulsory military service have been discussed in parliament, opening
the door to possible militarism in society.
Ban on Light Cannabis (CBD): The decree that equates light cannabis with
other drugs affects a sector that had grown significantly, generating
criticism from various organizations.
End of the Exception for Pregnant Women: The elimination of the clause
that excluded pregnant women or women with children under one year of
age from going to prison is a clear example of the government's
repressive approach.
These measures have been the subject of strong criticism from the
opposition, jurists and human rights organizations, who consider them
liberticidal and aligned with an authoritarian approach.
The response of social movements
In the face of increasing repression, social movements have responded
with determination and unity. The demonstration on October 5 was just
one of many actions organized in opposition to DDL 1660 and the
government's repressive measures. The manifesto issued by various groups
is a call for solidarity and collective action, highlighting that the
struggle cannot be divided by ideological or tactical differences.
The assemblies organized in different cities have sought to create
permanent coordination between movements, collectives and organizations,
establishing local nodes that promote the fight against DDL 1660 and the
militarization of politics. The importance of a unified mobilisation,
transcending sectoral boundaries and encouraging collective action in
defence of human rights and social justice, has been emphasised.
On 21 September, a demonstration against war, NATO and military spending
was organised in Florence, as part of a series of coordinated actions to
confront DDL 1660. The mobilisations in Bologna and other cities have
succeeded in attracting diverse sectors of society, showing that
resistance is possible when working in unity.
Implications of repression
DDL 1660 is a symptom of a worrying trend: the growing authoritarianism
of right-wing governments in Europe. What is happening in Italy is not
an isolated phenomenon; it is part of a global movement that seeks to
consolidate power at the expense of civil liberties.
The repression and the tightening of laws under the Meloni government
have profound implications for Italian society. The criminalisation of
dissent and the delegitimisation of protest are tactics that seek to
dismantle the social fabric of resistance and empowerment. By
introducing measures that limit freedom of expression and the right to
protest, the government is sowing a climate of fear that can result in
the demobilisation of social struggles and the growing strength of
authoritarian groups.
Repressive policy also has a disproportionate effect on the most
vulnerable communities, who are the most affected by austerity measures
and oppression. Criminalised passive resistance in prisons and shelters
is a clear example of how the Meloni government's policies dehumanise
vulnerable groups.
The increase in powers for the police and impunity in cases of abuse
represent a setback in the protection of human rights and a
normalisation of institutional and street violence. This situation is
alarming, as, if not addressed with determination, it can lead to an
irreversible erosion of civil rights in Italy.
Social movements must be aware that the struggle is not only against
specific laws, but against a system that seeks to repress any form of
resistance. It is vital that these movements not only resist oppression,
but also articulate an alternative vision of society based on social
justice, equity and respect for human rights.
How is the anti-capitalist movement in Italy doing?
Speaking to comrades in Rome, they tell us that the anti-capitalist
movement in Italy faces a number of profound challenges, both due to its
history and the current socio-political context. From its origins, it
has been marked by a rich theoretical tradition and a high degree of
internal debate. Over the years, this fragmentation has generated
various divisions that have affected both its cohesion and its ability
to organize effectively. The coexistence of contradictory approaches,
both in theoretical and practical terms, has made it difficult for the
movement to function as a united force. Furthermore, the legacy of the
Italian Communist Party (PCI) has been a key factor in shaping the
Italian left, as the PCI, by occupying much of the political space,
blocked the development of more radical currents such as anarchism and
autonomism. With the demise of the PCI, its successor, the Democratic
Party, has moved away from leftist ideas and adopted a neoliberal
stance, further alienating anti-capitalist movements.
At the organisational level, the movement faces serious difficulties.
Although squats have historically been key points of resistance, keeping
them open in the current context of repression and scarcity of resources
is becoming increasingly complicated. The lack of internal cohesion
within the movement exacerbates this problem, as intergenerational
conflicts and ideological divisions limit effective cooperation.
Furthermore, the widespread disinterest of Italian society towards the
anti-capitalist movement has contributed to its invisibility. Despite
state repression, the movement is not perceived as dangerous, but rather
as irrelevant, which hinders its ability to influence public opinion and
mobilise new followers. This apathy, in combination with a dominant
bourgeois discourse that predominates in educational institutions and
the media, reinforces the idea that social struggles lack real impact.
Despite these obstacles, the anti-capitalist movement in Italy continues
to resist. The presence of committed and theoretically sound activists,
such as anarchists, shows that, although a minority, the movement still
has the capacity to generate fear in the power structures. However, its
main challenge is to attract a new generation of militants and overcome
the fragmentation that limits its effectiveness. While it is not a
question of seeking a parliamentary or electoral majority, the lack of
mass participation in the organisational structures of the movement
prevents it from having a greater impact on political struggles. The
future of the movement depends on its ability to overcome social apathy,
revitalise its strategies and adapt to an increasingly repressive
context, without losing sight of the importance of maintaining a radical
and anti-capitalist spirit.
A call to resistance
As discussions about DDL 1660 and other repressive measures progress, it
is crucial to reflect on how the situation might evolve. History has
shown that, in times of greatest oppression, collective responses often
become stronger. While criminalizing protest seeks to demobilize, it can
also result in a revitalization of activism and the creation of new
forms of resistance.
Social movements have a responsibility to articulate strategies that not
only resist repressive laws, but also propose viable alternatives.
International solidarity plays a fundamental role in this context; it is
imperative that local struggles connect with global struggles.
Resistance to the occupation and the fight for Palestinian rights,
alongside the fight against state repression, are examples of how
diverse fronts can intertwine and mutually strengthen each other.
Furthermore, it is necessary for movements to work on creating safe
spaces for debate and organization. Building support networks and
promoting direct action are key strategies to counter repression.
Struggles for housing, work, and the right to health must be at the core
of a unified agenda that challenges authoritarianism in all its forms.
It is crucial that the community mobilizes and takes action in the face
of these measures. History has shown that rights are not irrevocable and
that they must always be defended. We therefore call on everyone to join
the fight, participate in demonstrations, assemblies and resistance actions.
Solidarity and mutual support are the foundation on which movements for
change are built. Unity is strength! We will not allow our rights and
freedoms to be trampled on. Rights are never permanent. It is the
responsibility of each person to defend them, because history has shown
us that social progress and freedoms can be taken away if they are not
actively protected.
Building a more just and equitable future depends on our ability to
organize and fight together. Be it in the Italian, Spanish, Palestinian
or Russian state.
The defense of rights is a continuous struggle: There are no Irrevocable
Rights!
DDL 1660 symbolizes the fragility of the rights and freedoms that we
take for granted. In Italy, we are seeing how a democratic government
can, under the pretext of security, progressively dismantle social gains
that cost decades of struggle. But this situation is not irreversible.
The mobilization of October 5 is just one example of the power that the
people have when they organize and respond firmly to injustice.
There are no irrevocable rights. Social conquests are not gifts bestowed
by governments, but victories won through the constant struggle of the
people. If we want to protect our rights, we must always be ready to
defend them, to question power and to resist measures that seek to take
them away from us. Italy is at a critical moment, and the future of its
democratic rights depends on the ability of its people to unite and fight.
Resistance is the only way, and history is on our side. As the manifesto
of the social movements expressed after the demonstration on October 5:
"Freedom is not a natural state; it is a constant conquest." Today more
than ever, we must remember these words and continue the fight.
Authoritarianism can be defeated, but only if we keep our guard up and
remain united. Because rights, like freedom, only exist as long as we
are willing to defend them.
Diogo, Liza activist
https://www.regeneracionlibertaria.org/2024/10/17/represion-y-estado-policial-en-la-italia-de-meloni/
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