The party must go on: Thousands of Italians flock to the streets to protest ‘anti-rave’ laws

Thousands of people took to the streets in Italy this past weekend to protest against forthcoming laws that could see the criminalisation of unlicensed raves throughout the country, Resident Advisor reports.

The plans were outlined earlier this year by Italy’s newly elected far-right government, led by Giorgia Meloni. under article 633 bis, the policy could result in organisers of unlicensed raves in unoccupied buildings or fields landing up to six years in prison.

Waves of people in cities including Rome, Turin, Bologna, Naples and Florence attempted to make their voices heard by protesting the anti-rave legislations – and created the hashtag #smashrepression on social media to stand against forthcoming laws.

Santano Viperillo, who runs events at Naples club Duel, told RA: “It’s important to take a stand against this legislation and make sure the voice of the rave community and all other underground music communities is heard loud and clear.”

“We want a return to normality that allows us to have a nightlife without fear of oppression,” he added.

The law was triggered last month by Meloni after authorities were ordered to shut down a Halloween rave in Modena. As a result, sound system equipment valued at €150,000 was seized and 14 people were placed under investigation by the prosecutor’s office. The incident sparked outrage across the country, prompting the public to fight back.

“Our network is growing–already there were around 50,000 people on the streets on Saturday,” an anonymous protestor told RA. “So we will let our government know that this isn’t just about raves, but about repression of our rights. We know how we can continue to demonstrate. We’re gonna be their nightmare.”