The Italian government on Tuesday unveiled measures to crack down on those who damage or deface monuments and heritage sites, proposing fines of up to €60,000. The move comes amid a series of attacks on cultural landmarks and artworks in Italy by activists demanding more government action to tackle the climate crisis.
The bill, subject to approval by parliament, was proposed by culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano following the recent attack by so-called 'eco vandals' on the 17th-century Barcaccia fountain in Rome. "Those who carry out these acts must also accept financial responsibility," stated Sangiuliano, noting that it cost authorities around €40,000 to clean up a spray paint attack on the Italian senate earlier this year.
