Thousands line the streets across Italy in protest of impending ‘anti-rave’ legislation

Thousands of people took to the streets in major cities across Italy at the weekend, including Turin, Bologna, Naples, Rome, Palermo and Florence. 

The demonstration, promoted on social media with the hashtag #smashrepression, took place on Saturday, 17th December, coordinated by French and Italian sound system crews, including CSOA Officina99, Nameless Sound System, Hardcore Heroes Pirate and Crazy Dub Salerno.

Check out the scenes from Naples, as captured by local activist Adriano: 

The protests were a retaliation to new ‘anti-rave’ legislation Article 633, which could come into play at the end of this month. The impending legislation prevents the occupation of an empty field or building to host raves or other types of entertainment. It also allows the surveillance of groups suspected of holding these unauthorised events.

A draft version of the new law previously banned unauthorised gatherings of more than 50 people. After being heavily criticised by activists for infringing on protest rights and the freedom of expression, it no longer forms part of the legislation.

Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s new right-wing government began sewing the seed for new legislation last month after the authorities shut down a Halloween rave in Modena. They seized sound system equipment valued at €150,000, with 14 people under investigation by the prosecutor’s office.

According to anonymous reports from the #smashrepression movement, more protests will follow in 2023.