BELLUNO – On February 22, 2025, the streets of Belluno witnessed vibrant demonstrations as around 1,000 residents protested against the Italian government's proposed security decree, officially known as the DDL Sicurezza. Organized by a coalition of 40 associations, the rally captured the essence of community spirit and civil activism, advocating for the right to true security and public services.
During the colorful procession, slogans echoed through the city, illustrating opposition to the government's controversial approach. The demonstrators believe the decree aims to cultivate fear within society, undermining civil rights rather than enhancing security. "No al disegno di legge sicurezza,” they chanted, clearly asserting their stance against the measure.
The procession began at the Parco Città di Bologna and wound its way through the central avenues of Belluno, including Piazza Piloni and Via Tasso. Accompanied by security personnel, the peaceful nature of the event was highlighted by participants of all ages coming together to fight for their beliefs. Representatives from various groups, including students and community activists, voiced their concerns ranging from impacts on individual freedoms to broader societal consequences.
Serena De Marchi, regional representative of the Student Network, emphasized the alarm raised by the possible impacts of the decree on younger generations. "This government wants our generation to remain silent, and this decree is merely instilling fear about the consequences of expressing our views,” De Marchi stated during her speech. She pointed out the hypocrisy of the government, which claims to protect citizens yet fails to address the violence posed by far-right student groups who seem to receive tacit approval from those currently in power.
The rally’s attendees expressed strong discontent over multiple aspects of the security decree. One significant concern arose from provisions allowing law enforcement and intelligence services to access sensitive information about university students, potentially labeling them as threats for merely participating in political discourse. "If students or professors engage in politically charged events or discuss controversial topics, universities could be obliged to disclose personal information about them,” warned activists during the protest, highlighting the troubling breaches of privacy such measures would enable.
Additional grave concerns were raised over Article 28 of the decree, which purportedly allows police to carry certain weapons without licenses even when not on duty. Activists emphasized this would create unnecessary risks for public safety, stating, "This changes the relationship between police and citizens, jeopardizing the very fabric of trust needed for effective community policing.”
Another focal point of critique was centered around the designation of 'red zones', areas where increased policing measures could restrict civil liberties. Local activist representatives noted, “We've collected over 500 signatures to discuss the imposition of these zones at our community council, as they pose serious threats to our freedoms.” Such sentiments echo broader worries about potential overreach by state authorities.
Concerns about the introduction of over 20 new categories of offenses, particularly measures targeting vulnerable populations such as migrants and the socially marginalized, have sparked outrage. Denise Casanova of the CGIL trade union highlighted the draconian nature of the proposed laws, noting, “We could see pregnant women or new mothers facing imprisonment for non-compliance with these new regulations.” Casanova's remarks shed light on the harsh realities many families may soon face should the decree pass.
Activists have stressed how the new law risks criminalizing dissent, insisting it presents a direct attack on fundamental rights enshrined within the Italian Constitution. The intent behind the bill was framed as discarding 'political correctness' and supposedly reaffirming law and order, yet speakers at the protest argued it instead signals the normalization of state repression against opposition.
The peaceful demonstration wrapped up at Piazza dei Martiri, where the final speakers highlighted the importance of unity and resistance. They reinforced the message, echoing sentiments shared throughout the march: Italy has always stood against fascism, and it must not bow to policies they believed might lead to its resurgence. Various organizations came together, including local student groups, trade unions, and community organizing bodies, each reaffirming their collective commitment to protect civil liberties.
Following the successful demonstration, organizers expressed gratitude for the participation, with many noting the rally surpassed their expectations. The unity witnessed among the diverse coalition of groups serves as both encouragement and inspiration for continued activism against what they perceive as the government's deterioration of democratic rights.