Rome [Italy], April 12: The Italian government plans to punish vandalism of cultural assets more severely following protests by climate activists that targeted monuments and works of art.
The cabinet of Prime Minister GiorgiaMeloni agreed on a decree that provides for the payment of damages of $10,900 well as "criminal sanctions" for those who "destroy, defile or deface" cultural assets, Italian Culture Minister GennaroSangiuliano announced on Tuesday. Parliament now has two months to turn the decree into law.
"Attacks on monuments and artistic sites cause economic damage to the community," Sangiuliano said after the cabinet meeting in Rome. Soiled cultural assets must be cleaned by "highly specialized personnel" and with "expensive machinery." Those who do this must "also assume financial responsibility." In his statement, the minister called the activists "eco-vandals."Like other European countries, climate activists in Italy have used extraordinary actions to draw attention to themselves.
Most recently, members of the group UltimaGenerazione (Last Generation) poured black liquid into the Fontana dellaBarcaccia at the famous Spanish Steps in Rome to colour the fountain's water.
Source: Qatar Tribune