Piazzale del Verano was the starting point of the today’s demonstration in Rome against the Security decree law. The network announced At full capacity, CGIL, ANPI, Arci, Avs, pd, M5s, Rifondazione, social center realities from all over Italy, movements for migrants, such as the Without CPR network, the housing movements, the environmentalists, the anti-prohibitions, including the light cannabis production chain, Free from the mafias, the LGBT+ realities, the Disability Pride network, networks of civic bodies, associations university and secondary school and university student unions and associations. According to the organizers, 100 thousand people took to the streets.
Take us all.’ ‘You write security and you read suppression’.’Scary security’, these are some of the banners in the square. “We are here first of all to protect our already weak democracy from a government project that brings us close to authoritarian models like the ones of Hungary and that aims to restrict the democratic space and push realities and movements in social indifference. ,” he explained Tommaso Fogli of the Left Youth Union.
“The Security bill seeks to limit any kind of social insurgency or social activity. This expression is the result of three months of work throughout the entire national network,with the participation of more than 250 entities. The the reason we are here today is to show that this thing is growing, just as the level of oppression is growing Simona Biffignandi of the Full Power.
The Eni distributor and the Carrefour supermarket were defiled
Some demonstrators who took part in the demonstration against the security bill in Rome with spray paint Eni distributor near via Pinciana,writing “Eni accomplice”. Firecrackers against the window of the shop and the writing ”assassins”, so pro-Pal students at a point of sale Carrefour supermarket in viale regina Margherita.
The organizers of the parade: “we have reached 100 thousand people”
“We are 100 thousand, we have seen something like this for years, united against the policies of the government“. Therefore, organized the demonstration against the security bill coming on Piazza del Popolo. Break some symbolic chains made of cardboard, the head of the procession crossed Piazzale Flaminio and entered Piazza del Popolo, where the the end of the event. the “chain“The truck broke the Rete no ddl, the initiator of the Roman procession.”action as a symbol of breaking the chains imposed by the bill of fear“, explained the organizers.
According to the police, about 7 thousand people took part in the procession.
“We are here with our hearts on fire and one voice trying to stop this Fear bill. We are the working class who go to heaven because thousands of us still die in the workplace. We are here to stop this add to those who want to transform the country into a prison for an open sky against those in parliament who kissed rosaries and sank ships at this bill – explain the organizers and the people. organized from the main vehicle - it is a frontal attack on the pillar of democracy ”.
The CGIL at the national demonstration “No to the security bill”. December 14, 2024 (@cgilnazionale)
”Today, Fiom is together with the CGIL, associations, movements, students, on the streets of Rome to stop the security bill. An evil and perilous measure that threatens to limit the individual and collective freedoms of citizens,cancel the right to strike and restrict the spaces for democracy and the right to dissent”. Michel De Palma general Secretary Fiom-Cgil at the national demonstration in Rome against the Security Bill. ”We need security, the government’s ‘decree of fear’. Security is having a job, not dying in the workplace, having a decent wage. The security of preventing feminicides, the security of having health care at school, at university. This government decree serves exclusively to prevent us from striking and demonstrating.But we will not stop”, declares the leader of the Corso d’Italia metal workers.
What are the implications of the Security decree law on civil liberties in Italy?
Interview between the Time.news Editor (TNE) and Tommaso Fogli, Expert on Social Movements and democracy in Italy
TNE: Welcome, Tommaso. Thank you for joining us today.The demonstration in Rome against the Security decree law gathered a massive crowd.Can you give us some insights into what this law entails and why it has sparked such a wide-ranging response from various movements?
Tommaso Fogli: Thank you for having me.the Security decree law, as proposed by the current government, includes measures that many argue erode civil liberties and democratic governance.It raises concerns about increased surveillance, restrictions on protests, and the criminalization of social movements.These measures are perceived as steps toward authoritarianism, akin to models seen in countries like Hungary.
TNE: That sounds alarming. The turnout at the demonstration was impressive, with claims of around 100,000 participants. What do you think drove such a diverse coalition of groups to unite against this law?
Tommaso Fogli: Absolutely! The breadth of this coalition—from labor unions like CGIL to environmentalists and LGBT+ groups—illustrates the law’s far-reaching implications. People are recognizing that this isn’t just a labor issue or a migration issue; it’s a fundamental issue of democracy and rights. When you threaten the fabric of democracy, it unites people across different movements that might not always overlap in their aims.
TNE: There were banners at the demonstration that stated, “you write security and you read suppression” and “Scary security.” What do you think this indicates about the public sentiment regarding the government’s approach to security?
Tommaso Fogli: Those slogans capture the essence of the protest. Many perceive these security measures not as protective, but as oppressive. There’s a growing awareness that when governments invoke the need for security, they often do so at the expense of freedom and civic rights. This sentiment suggests a critical shift in public perception, where security is no longer equated with safety but rather with control and repression.
TNE: You mentioned fears of moving towards authoritarian models. What specific aspects of the security decree have drawn these comparisons?
Tommaso Fogli: The law introduces elements that curtail freedoms, such as increased powers for law enforcement to dissolve protests and monitor activists. It aims to delegitimize dissent by labeling it as a threat to security. These tactics are reminiscent of those used in countries that prioritize state control over individual freedoms. Such comparisons become more valid when the government’s rhetoric mirrors that of authoritarian regimes, fostering an habitat of fear around speaking out.
TNE: it certainly raises meaningful concerns about the future of democracy in Italy. How can citizens and civil society respond to safeguard their democratic rights in light of such legislation?
Tommaso Fogli: Mobilization is key. Just as we saw in Rome,solidarity among different movements can create a powerful voice against oppressive laws. Civil society must engage in sustained advocacy, educate citizens about their rights, and challenge such legislation legally and politically. Building coalitions—like the one we witnessed—is essential to create a united front that resists these authoritarian trends.
TNE: What do you think the next steps are for the organizations and movements involved in this demonstration?
Tommaso Fogli: Following such a significant turnout, it’s crucial that these movements maintain momentum. They need to articulate a clear alternative vision for security that prioritizes human rights and personal freedoms. Continuous dialogue, grassroots organizing, and strategic alliances are essential to not only combat this law but to foster a proactive approach toward safeguarding democracy.
TNE: Thank you, Tommaso, for sharing your insights with us.It is clear that the demonstration in Rome represents a pivotal moment in the fight for democracy in Italy, and we look forward to seeing how these movements evolve.
Tommaso Fogli: Thank you for shedding light on this vital issue. It’s crucial that we keep the conversation going.
