Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government is advancing a controversial new security law that could impose prison sentences of up to two years for blocking roads during protests, particularly those related to climate change.

The legislation specifically targets demonstrations against significant infrastructure projects, including the Turin-Lyon high-speed railway and a proposed bridge over the Strait of Messina, both of which have strong backing from Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.

Critics have labeled the law the 'anti-Gandhi' law, arguing it disproportionately affects peaceful protesters, especially climate activists.

Opposition parties, including the Five Star Movement, have condemned the proposed law as oppressive, claiming it aims to intimidate dissent and restrict civil liberties.

Various civil society groups have expressed concerns that the law represents a significant threat to democracy and a tool for suppressing political dissent.

In addition to targeting roadblocks, the legislation would criminalize demonstrations in prisons, even non-violent forms of protest, and suggests that police interrogations be recorded.

The bill also proposes to lift protections against imprisoning pregnant women and mothers of young children, further raising alarms about human rights implications.

Italy's prison system is already facing severe overcrowding, ranking sixth-worst in Europe, which raises additional concerns regarding the implications of these new laws.

Since taking office in October 2022, Meloni's administration has enacted several measures appealing to its right-wing base, including restrictions on migrant rescue charities and a ban on surrogacy.

As the law awaits final approval in the Senate after passing in the lower house, it has sparked widespread debate about the balance between security and civil liberties in Italy.

Salvini has dismissed accusations of creating a 'police state,' asserting that law-abiding citizens have nothing to fear from the legislation.

The crackdown on protests is part of a broader trend of increased restrictions on public demonstrations in Italy, reflecting the hard-right stance of Meloni's government.