Italy planning hefty fines for art vandalism
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Italy's culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano is pushing for stiff, five-figure fines on vandals who damage monuments.
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Italian Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano during a new cabinet meeting at Chigi Palace, in Rome, Italy, on October 23, 2022. (REUTERS)
Italy has declared that it would seek legislation that would impose five-figure fines on vandals who destroy monuments or other cultural assets to fund repairs and cleanup.
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On Tuesday, April 11, the cabinet adopted proposed legislation championed by the cultural minister that would impose fines ranging from €10,000( $10,961.70) to €60,000($65,770).
The measure is anticipated to be easily passed and put into law by Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing administration, which has a solid majority in Parliament.
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Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano stated that the government just spent €40,000($43,848) cleaning the defaced façade of the 15th-century Palazzo Madama, which houses the Italian Senate.
Just a few days ago, climate change campaigners spilled black dye into the waters of a colossal fountain designed by Bernini at the foot of the Spanish Steps.
In a statement, the minister said the attacks on monuments and artistic sites are economically damaging to everyone.
To clean it up, very skilled workers and the usage of extremely expensive machinery are required, he added. "Whoever carries out these acts must also assume financial responsibility."
