The House of Representatives gave the green light to the bill against so-called “eco-vandals”, a new criminal code, like the Rave Bill and other similar initiatives, with 138 votes in favour, 92 against and 10 abstentions. – after facts that outraged part of the public.
What does the law provide
The approved law provides for penalties that are much higher than existing fines, in addition to criminal penalties that currently carry a prison sentence of six months to five years. The new administrative fine, ranging from 20 to 60 thousand euros, will be imposed on people who “partially or completely destroy, disperse, deteriorate or render unusable or unusable their own or others’ cultural or landscape property.” Heavy bills will also be imposed on those who deface, falsify or use cultural property for a purpose incompatible with their historical or artistic character (this is the case of the “Last Generation” activists, ed.), ranging from 10 to 40 thousand euros. The income generated will be donated to the Ministry of Culture, primarily to be used in the restoration of damaged assets. The entire centre-right voted in favor of the law, while the opposition opposed it, except MPs from Action and Italia Viva who abstained.
Sangiuliano: “Finally, I thank the Parliament”
“I thank the Parliament for the work done, first the Senate and today the Assembly, for finally succeeding in achieving this fundamental goal. Today is a good day for Italian culture and especially for the artistic and architectural heritage of the nation.” Minister of Culture Gennaro Sangiuliano immediately commented and added: “Whoever is responsible for acts of vandalism against art and national monuments, which are the heritage of our identity and humanity, should know that this will be a direct personal response in financial terms. In fact, these can be implemented immediately by the governor of the place where the crime is committed, upon the complaint of public officials.” are administrative sanctions. It is also worth remembering once again that hitting art also means damaging nature, because due to the humanization of the landscape, some places or monuments have become an integral part of our cities. As stated in Article 9 of the Constitution, the duty of the State is, “To protect this unique resource and value we have. It is our duty to protect and preserve it for future generations.”
Protests from the opposition
As previously mentioned, the opposition voted against the law, except for Azione and Italia Viva, who abstained. Minorities, with interventions by Andrea Orlando (Pd) and Nicola Fratoianni (Avs), argued that the damage caused by climate activists was not permanent and therefore tightening penalties was not justified. Stating that protest is the basis of democracy, Fratoianni reminds us in this context of the workers’ protests in the 1900s, which were not allowed even then. Duro Arturo Scotto (Pd): In his speech in the parliament, “How can you criticize the protest when the Prime Minister is in opposition and defines taxes as protection money of the state?” asked. The 5 Star Movement attacked the administration, accusing it of approving “disproportionate punishments” and, above all, of not being credible. “Deputy Riccardo Ricciardi reminded us that we are in the presence of undersecretaries accused of stealing paintings or selling them abroad.”
Source: Today IT
Emma Fitzgerald is an accomplished political journalist and author at The Nation View. With a background in political science and international relations, she has a deep understanding of the political landscape and the forces that shape it.
