Italy challenges the law against illegal raveparties Italy challenges the law against illegal raveparts

In the dispute over a law against illegal rave parties, the Italian opposition has demanded a turnaround from the new right-wing government.

“The law is so bad that it cannot even be improved: it must be repealed,” Social Democrat leader Enrico Letta demanded in the newspaper “Corriere della Sera” (Thursday). Not only techno raves could be affected by the plans, but also schools, universities and environmental protests.

The new government of far-right Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni brought the controversial law to parliament on Monday. It provides for increased prison terms and fines if groups of more than 50 people enter property to organize a gathering that threatens public order, safety or health. Justice Minister Carlo Nordio assured that the right to freedom of expression and assembly will not be jeopardized.

Techno raves with thousands of revelers always make headlines in Italy. This weekend, more than 3,500 people celebrated for days in a vacant factory building in Modena, northern Italy.

Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi ordered several hundred police officers there, who peacefully ended the rave. He accused the organizers of risking a “bloodbath”. According to media reports, the right-wing coalition is already considering changing the law. (sda/dpa)