Italy’s right-wing Lega has unveiled plans to introduce a controversial bill that would classify Antifa and anarchist movements as terrorist organizations and ban their activities nationwide.
The proposal was announced by Eugenio Zoffili, the party’s group leader on the Defence Committee in the lower house of parliament. According to Zoffili, the draft legislation, which is expected to be formally submitted in the coming days, aims to enforce a policy of zero tolerance against what he described as extremist groups threatening national security.
The announcement follows recent unrest in Rome, where 91 demonstrators linked to anarchist movements were stopped by police after attempting to hold a banned commemoration for two individuals who died while allegedly preparing an explosive device. Authorities had prohibited the gathering, citing security concerns.
Zoffili argued that such groups, including Antifa, have no connection to what he called ‘true antifascism’ and instead operate as violent extremist networks. The proposed law would therefore designate them as terrorist organizations and outlaw associated militant groups.
The move echoes earlier rhetoric and policy signals from figures such as Donald Trump and Viktor Orbán, both of whom have previously advocated for similar measures targeting Antifa-linked networks.
However, the proposal has drawn strong criticism from opposition politicians. Angelo Bonelli of the Green and Left Alliance argued that the initiative contradicts Italy’s constitution and historical foundations, which are rooted in the anti-fascist resistance.
The debate comes amid broader tensions surrounding security measures and civil liberties. A separate controversy has emerged following a police check in Rome involving Ilaria Salis, reportedly triggered by a Schengen alert issued at the request of German authorities. Salis has indicated she will pursue parliamentary action both at the European level and in Italy.
According to German investigators, the alert may be linked to alleged connections between Italian activists and German far-left networks, including the so-called ‘Hammerbands’, groups accused of violent attacks against far-right figures. Salis had previously faced legal proceedings in Hungary in connection with similar allegations.
As political divisions deepen, the proposed legislation is likely to fuel a broader debate in Italy over security, extremism, and the limits of political dissent.
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