Protect Protest
Protest is a right. Let's defend it.
Let's defend the right to protest peacefully and support movements for human rights.
Latest from the squares · ·Italia: preoccupazioni sulla gestione delle manifestazioni → (opens amnesty.it in a new tab)
Three ways to act
Your rights in the square
General information, not legal advice. For a specific case, contact a lawyer or HubForDefenders.
The right to assemble and express yourself
Read the full text
Constitution, art. 17
The Constitution recognises the right to assemble peacefully and unarmed. Notice to the authorities is only required for meetings in a public place, and the authorities may ban them only for proven reasons of public safety or security.
In the words of the text «Delle riunioni in luogo pubblico deve essere dato preavviso alle autorità, che possono vietarle soltanto per comprovati motivi di sicurezza o di incolumità pubblica.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Costituzione, art. 17 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Constitution, art. 21
Freedom of expression is also guaranteed by the Constitution, by any means.
In the words of the text «Tutti hanno diritto di manifestare liberamente il proprio pensiero con la parola, lo scritto e ogni altro mezzo di diffusione.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Costituzione, art. 21 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
If you organise a demonstration
Read the full text
Notice to the police chief
People who promote a meeting in a public place or open to the public must notify the questore (provincial police chief) at least three days in advance. If notice is missing, or for reasons of public order, morality or public health, the questore may prevent the meeting or set conditions on time and place.
In the words of the text «I promotori di una riunione in luogo pubblico o aperto al pubblico devono darne avviso, almeno tre giorni prima, al questore.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, art. 18, testo in vigore dal 25 aprile 2026 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Promoting without notice
The current text provides an administrative fine of 1,000 to 10,000 euro, which also applies to promoting a meeting through online platforms or closed groups. The fine cannot be paid in a reduced amount and is decided by the prefect.
In the words of the text «La sanzione di cui al presente comma si applica anche a coloro i quali, senza darne preavviso all'Autorità, sono promotori, ai sensi del primo comma, di una riunione in luogo pubblico tramite reti, piattaforme e servizi di comunicazione elettronica ad uso pubblico o privato, ovvero tramite gruppi chiusi di utenti.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, art. 18 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Ignoring a ban, conditions or the route
For breaking the ban or the questore's conditions the administrative fine is 1,000 to 12,000 euro. For not following traffic limits or the planned route, where this may endanger public safety, it is 1,000 to 10,000 euro.
In the words of the text «Nei casi di mancato rispetto, in occasione di una riunione in luogo pubblico, delle limitazioni poste alla circolazione o dell'itinerario previsto per la predetta riunione, da cui possa derivare un pericolo per la sicurezza o l'incolumità pubblica, si applica la sanzione amministrativa pecuniaria da euro 1.000 a euro 10.000.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, art. 18 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
If you take part in a demonstration
Read the full text
Covering your face
It is forbidden, without a justified reason, to use helmets or any other means that make it hard to recognise a person in a public place. At demonstrations the ban always applies, except sports events that involve such use. For breaking it at a demonstration, this law text provides arrest from two to three years and a fine of 2,000 to 6,000 euro.
In the words of the text «È in ogni caso vietato l'uso predetto in occasione di manifestazioni che si svolgano in luogo pubblico o aperto al pubblico, tranne quelle di carattere sportivo che tale uso comportino.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Legge 152/1975, art. 5 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
If you are asked to disperse
A meeting can be dissolved, for example when crimes are committed or when events may endanger public order or safety. First people are invited to disperse; if that has no effect, dissolution is ordered with three formal warnings. Refusing to obey the dissolution order risks an administrative fine of 2,000 to 20,000 euro.
In the words of the text «le persone riunite od assembrate sono invitate a disciogliersi dagli ufficiali di pubblica sicurezza»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, artt. 20-24 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Leaving in time
A person who leaves the meeting before the authority's order, or to obey it, is not punishable.
In the words of the text «Non è punibile chi, prima dell'ingiunzione dell'Autorità o per obbedire ad essa, si ritira dalla riunione.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, art. 18 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Blocking a road with your body
Whoever obstructs free movement on an ordinary road or railway by blocking it with their own body is punished with up to one month in prison or a fine of up to 300 euro. If the act is committed by several people together, the sentence is six months to two years.
In the words of the text «La pena è della reclusione da sei mesi a due anni se il fatto è commesso da più persone riunite»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Decreto legislativo 66/1948, art. 1-bis (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto-legge 48/2025, art. 14 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
If you are stopped or identified
Read the full text
Giving your identity
Refusing to give information on your identity to a public official who asks for it in the exercise of their duties is punished with arrest of up to one month or a fine.
In the words of the text «rifiuta di dare indicazioni sulla propria identità personale, sul proprio stato, o su altre qualità personali»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Codice penale, art. 651 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Being taken to the police station for identification
If a person refuses to be identified, or gives details or documents that appear false, the judicial police may take them to their offices and keep them no longer than twelve hours (twenty-four, with notice to the public prosecutor, if identification is particularly complex or a consular officer or interpreter is needed: in that case the person may ask for a relative or cohabitant to be informed). The public prosecutor is told at once and may order release.
In the words of the text «la polizia giudiziaria la accompagna nei propri uffici e ivi la trattiene per il tempo strettamente necessario per la identificazione e comunque non oltre le dodici ore»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Codice di procedura penale, art. 349 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Statements without a lawyer
At the scene or immediately after the event, the judicial police may collect information from the person under investigation even without their lawyer only when needed to avoid imminent danger or serious damage to the investigation. Information collected this way without a lawyer may not be documented or used.
In the words of the text «è vietata ogni documentazione e utilizzazione»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Codice di procedura penale, art. 350 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Search on the spot
In exceptional cases of necessity and urgency, during a demonstration, the police may identify and search on the spot, only to look for weapons, explosives and break-in or offensive tools. This applies to people who, in specific circumstances of place and time, appear to be a current danger. A record is drawn up, sent within forty-eight hours to the public prosecutor and given to the person concerned.
In the words of the text «appaiono costituire un pericolo attuale per la sicurezza o per l'incolumità pubblica o individuale»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Legge 152/1975, art. 4 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto-legge 23/2026, art. 7 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Being taken in for up to twelve hours during demonstrations
Under decree-law 23/2026, converted by law 54/2026, during specific police operations at demonstrations, in the presence of a current danger to public order and security, the police may take to their offices people for whom there is a well-founded reason to think they will act in a way that concretely endangers the peaceful course of the demonstration. They may keep them no longer than twelve hours. The public prosecutor is told at once and, if the conditions are not met, orders release.
In the words of the text «e ivi trattenerle per il tempo strettamente necessario ai fini del compimento dei conseguenti accertamenti di polizia e comunque non oltre le dodici ore»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Decreto-legge 23/2026, art. 7 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Legge 54/2026 di conversione (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
If the person is a minor
The notice goes to the public prosecutor at the juvenile court. Those with parental responsibility are informed without delay and invited to come to the police offices to take the minor into their care on release.
In the words of the text «Coloro che esercitano la responsabilità genitoriale sono informati senza ritardo dell'accompagnamento»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Decreto-legge 23/2026, art. 7 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
What is changing now
Read the full text
The new decree-law 190/2026
On 22 October 2026 the Official Gazette (no. 246) published decree-law no. 190, titled "Disposizioni urgenti in materia di sicurezza pubblica e contrasto alla criminalita' minorile" (urgent provisions on public security and the fight against juvenile crime). It is very recent: for now this page reports only its official title.
Source: Decreto-legge 22 ottobre 2026, n. 190 (Gazzetta Ufficiale) (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Amnesty International Italy on law 54/2026
Amnesty International Italy considers law 54/2026 a serious threat to human rights and fundamental freedoms, including freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.
In the words of the text «Amnesty International chiede alle autorità italiane di abrogare o modificare radicalmente le disposizioni della Legge n. 54/2026 incompatibili con gli standard internazionali sui diritti umani»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Amnesty International Italia: Dissenso sotto attacco, cambiare la Legge 54/2026 (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
HubForDefenders on the new security decree
HubForDefenders is a network that includes Amnesty International Italy. On the new decree on public security it wrote the following.
In the words of the text «Il provvedimento introduce nuove fattispecie penali, inasprisce le pene per condotte commesse durante le manifestazioni e amplia gli strumenti di prevenzione e coercizione, con il rischio di restringere ulteriormente lo spazio civico e di scoraggiare la partecipazione alla vita pubblica.»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Amnesty International Italia: HubForDefenders, forte preoccupazione per il nuovo decreto sicurezza (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Legal help
Read the full text
HubForDefenders
HubForDefenders is a national tool for protecting civic space, promoted by a network of associations including Amnesty International Italy. To report a problem or ask for help: phone and WhatsApp +39 353 495 3606, e-mail hub4defenders@proton.me.
In the words of the text «Attraverso il coinvolgimento di professionisti offre assistenza legale, monitora possibili violazioni e mette a disposizione strumenti di protezione per persone, attivisti e organizzazioni»
(Italian legal text, unofficial summary above)
Source: Amnesty International Italia: HubForDefenders, team legale per assistere i manifestanti (opens in a new tab) — verified on 31 October 2026.
Legal sources: Costituzione, art. 17 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Costituzione, art. 21 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, art. 18, testo in vigore dal 25 aprile 2026 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Legge 152/1975, art. 5 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Testo unico di pubblica sicurezza, artt. 20-24 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto legislativo 66/1948, art. 1-bis (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto-legge 48/2025, art. 14 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Codice penale, art. 651 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Codice di procedura penale, art. 349 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Codice di procedura penale, art. 350 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Legge 152/1975, art. 4 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto-legge 23/2026, art. 7 (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Legge 54/2026 di conversione (Normattiva) (opens in a new tab); Decreto-legge 22 ottobre 2026, n. 190 (Gazzetta Ufficiale) (opens in a new tab); Amnesty International Italia: Dissenso sotto attacco, cambiare la Legge 54/2026 (opens in a new tab); Amnesty International Italia: HubForDefenders, forte preoccupazione per il nuovo decreto sicurezza (opens in a new tab); Amnesty International Italia: HubForDefenders, team legale per assistere i manifestanti (opens in a new tab)
Updated on 31 October 2026
From the squares
Italia: preoccupazioni sulla gestione delle manifestazioni (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
La gestione delle manifestazioni del 24 ottobre in Italia ha generato preoccupazioni. L’analisi riporta le raccomandazioni per le prossime.
CASE Italia in piazza contro il decreto sulle SLAPP (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
Il provvedimento italiano contro le SLAPP è critico: CASE Italia è sceso oggi in piazza per chiedere tutele effettive.
HubForDefenders: forte preoccupazione per il nuovo decreto sicurezza (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
L’Hub for Defenders esprimono preoccupazione per il nuovo decreto in materia di sicurezza pubblica approvato dal Consiglio dei ministri.
Francia: le granate stordenti devono essere vietate permanentemente (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
Sospensione dell’uso delle granate stordenti per la polizia francese, dato il ferimento di un ragazzo durante le proteste studentesche.
Italia: il decreto per recepire la direttiva anti-SLAPP mostra criticità (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
Il Governo recepisce con un decreto critico la direttiva europea anti-SLAPP. CASE scenderà in piazza a Roma per chiedere maggiori tutele.
Francia: proteggere il diritto di protesta pacifica (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
In vista delle manifestazioni studentesche previste in Francia, abbiamo chiesto alle autorità porre fine all’uso sproporzionato della forza.
Iran: crimini contro l’umanità nella repressione delle proteste (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
Le autorità iraniane hanno commesso crimini contro l’umanità durante la repressione della rivolta “Donna Vita Libertà” del 2022: il rapporto.
Ddl Antisemitismo: il 9 settembre la protesta di oltre 250 sigle (opens amnesty.it in a new tab) (in Italian)
Presidio-maratona a Roma, a Montecitorio, e in altre 45 città d’Italia per dire no alla norma-bavaglio: la mobilitazione in occasione della discussione del disegno di legge alla Camera.
Updated on 31 October 2026
What Amnesty International asks
Amnesty International calls for an end to illegal mass surveillance and targeted surveillance that violates the right to privacy and restricts freedom of expression.
The organisation also urges the amendment of overly restrictive legislation that limits civic space, particularly that which illegally limits freedom of expression rights.
It is essential to end arbitrary detention and the criminalisation of demonstrators, as well as the illegal use of force by police forces.
Amnesty International Italia demands that police forces use force as a last resort and proportionately, that alphanumeric identification codes be introduced for officers, and that adequate training be ensured. It further demands that accusations of human rights violations be investigated promptly and impartially, that 'less lethal' weapons be used only in situations of widespread violence, and that advance notification for demonstrations be treated as notice, not a requirement, protecting also spontaneous protests.
Read more
Amnesty International's 'Protect Protest' campaign fights for freedom of peaceful assembly and expression. The right to protest is protected by international human rights law, regardless of the cause. Authorities have a duty to respect, protect, and facilitate peaceful demonstrations.
The right to protest is a human right
The right to protest is intrinsically linked to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly, both fundamental human rights. Protests are protected by international law, regardless of the reason for the demonstration. Authorities must ensure that people can exercise this right safely and without fear of retaliation.
State authorities' obligations
State authorities play a crucial role in ensuring the right to peaceful protest. They have a duty to respect, protect, and facilitate demonstrations. This means refraining from undue interference with protests and adopting measures to protect demonstrators from any threats or violence.
Amnesty International's demands
Amnesty International calls for an end to illegal mass surveillance and targeted surveillance that violates the right to privacy and restricts freedom of expression. The organisation also urges the amendment of overly restrictive legislation that limits civic space, particularly that which illegally limits freedom of expression rights. It is essential to end arbitrary detention and the criminalisation of demonstrators, as well as the illegal use of force by police forces.
Take part
Events and demonstrations in Lazio linked to this campaign.
No dated event for now: see the full calendar.
Full calendar →What you can do
- Support Amnesty International's 'Protect Protest' campaign.
- Call on authorities to respect, protect, and facilitate peaceful protests.
- Oppose illegal mass surveillance and targeted surveillance.
- Sign Amnesty International petitions calling for an end to arbitrary detention of demonstrators.
- Call on private companies to respect the right to protest by opposing online censorship.
Protecting the right to protest in Italy
Amnesty International Italia launches an appeal to "Protect the right to protest in Italy", highlighting how the government is dismantling piece by piece the right to peaceful protest.
On 4 June 2025, the Senate approved the final text of the Security Decree (ddl Sicurezza), converted into law on 9 June 2025, n.80, after approval by the Chamber on 29 May. This follows the "Rave party decree" of December 2022 and Law n.6 of 22 January 2024 against eco-vandals, which tightened rules on gatherings and introduced administrative sanctions. "Foggi di via" (leave-town orders) are used in an intimidatory manner, and the new decree incorporates provisions contested by Amnesty International Italia, such as body cameras without identification codes, criminal liability for road blockades with imprisonment and fines, the extension of urban DASPO (sport bans), and the introduction of the crime of revolt in prison, pre-removal centres (CPR), and hotspots.
What Amnesty asks
Amnesty International Italia demands that police forces use force as a last resort and proportionately, that alphanumeric identification codes be introduced for officers, and that adequate training be ensured. It further demands that accusations of human rights violations be investigated promptly and impartially, that 'less lethal' weapons be used only in situations of widespread violence, and that advance notification for demonstrations be treated as notice, not a requirement, protecting also spontaneous protests.
Content reported from amnesty.it.
Take action now
Join the campaign with your Amnesty group in Lazio.
AI-generated content verified against Amnesty International's official sources. Last updated: 2026-04-19
