A recent global report on civic freedoms has raised concerns about the state of civil liberties in Italy. The 2023 CIVICUS Monitor report assigns Italy a score of 67, categorizing it as a country with “narrowed” civic space, reflecting increasing challenges to free expression and activism.

One of the key findings in the report points to the Italian government's crackdown on climate activists. In an incident that made international headlines, on 2 January 2023, three members of the environmental group Last Generation were arrested after splattering the Senate building in Rome with washable orange paint. The demonstration was intended to protest the government's perceived reluctance to transition toward a carbon-neutral economy. These activists faced charges of vandalism, with potential prison sentences of up to three years (they eventually received a suspended sentence of 8 months and a EUR 60,000 fine).

The report notes a broader European trend of intensified repression against environmental activists, with many governments adopting harsh measures against non-violent civil disobedience actions. Italy’s response aligns with this regional pattern, as authorities have increasingly resorted to legal action against climate demonstrators.

The CIVICUS Monitor also flags legal intimidation through Strategic Lawsuits Against Public Participation (SLAPPs) as a growing concern in Italy. The report cites Italy among several European nations where powerful individuals and companies use defamation lawsuits to silence journalists and activists. These lawsuits often intimidate critics and stifle investigative reporting on issues of public interest.

Additionally, restrictions on media freedom have been observed. In a recent case (December 2022), the head of staff of the prefecture of Salerno prohibited journalists from filming or photographing migrants arriving at the port, raising concerns about transparency and press freedom in Italy. Such restrictions contribute to a climate where journalists feel increasingly constrained in their ability to report on sensitive topics, including migration and government policies.

The CIVICUS Monitor warns that if current trends continue, Italy could experience a further downgrade in its civic space rating, particularly if legal intimidation and police crackdowns on protests persist.

The report recommends that Italy take proactive steps to safeguard civic freedoms. Key recommendations include reforming defamation laws to prevent their misuse against journalists, ensuring that law enforcement responses to protests are proportionate, and strengthening legal protections for activists engaging in non-violent demonstrations.

The activists and human rights organisations continue to call for greater transparency and protection of fundamental freedoms. Whether the government will respond with reforms or further restrictions remains to be seen, but the international spotlight is firmly on Italy's handling of civic space.