Italy's '2026 Security Decree' expands police powers at protests

Italy's second 'Security Decree', backed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, lets police detain protesters for up to 12 hours without charge, broadens self-defence claims, bans carrying knives and other sharp objects, and bars people convicted of certain offences from public gatherings — 32 security provisions in all. The measure has continued to draw protest and judicial criticism through June, alongside a parallel migration row over 'safe countries' for returns.

Italy's High Council of the Judiciary criticised the preventive-detention powers as leaving 'excessively discretionary' margins to the police officer, sharpening a debate — familiar across Europe — over where robust public-order policing ends and over-reach begins.