Imagine a world where peaceful protests on the streets can land you in jail! Italy just made that a reality – a law that treats road blockades as a criminal offense, punishable by up to one month in prison or hefty fines. And that’s not all! If multiple people join in a blockade, the penalties get even harsher. What used to be an administrative offense is now a full-blown crime. Meanwhile, in Serbia, protesters block cities, police arrest them, and the media defend the protesters, accusing the government of excessive force. President Vučić called the Italian law draconian and pointed out that no European institutions have spoken up about it.
The new Italian law came into effect on June 10 and also introduces tougher penalties for illegal occupation of buildings – punishable by 2 to 7 years in prison! Yes, you read that right – up to seven years behind bars for occupying a building! The goal is clear: to stop any form of obstruction to free movement on public roads.
While Italy cracks down hard with these draconian penalties, Serbia’s police complain about attacks and exhaustion, and protesters keep blocking cities. Is this the right path? Has freedom of expression on the streets become a crime? Or is this just another sign that European laws are tightening while citizens’ rights in Serbia are shrinking?
If you think this is over the top, think again. Peaceful protests in Italy can now cost you jail time. And in Serbia? Police arrest, media defend, government stays silent. Maybe it’s time to ask where our democracy is headed. Or will we soon get similar laws?
Jump into the conversation – do you think these measures are justified or overblown? Is blocking a road really a crime or a right to protest? Share your thoughts, maybe you have the answer to this mess!
