Italy proposes crackdown on ‘eco-vandals’ damaging monuments

ROME (Reuters) – Italy’s government on Tuesday proposed stiffer penalties against those who damage monuments and heritage sites, a statement said, in response to protesters who have targeted artwork and famous landmarks demanding stronger action against climate change.

“Those who carry out these acts must also accept financial responsibility,” Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano said in a statement after a cabinet meeting, proposing fines of up to 60,000 euros ($65,418.00).

The bill is subject to approval by both houses of parliament.

In recent months, climate protesters have blocked traffic and thrown paint or otherwise defaced monuments, famous buildings and paintings in galleries.

Among their targets have been the iconic “Barcaccia” fountain in front of the Spanish steps in Rome, the Italian Senate, and Milan’s La Scala opera house. They also sprayed orange paint over Palazzo Vecchio, in Florence.

In December they blocked a bridge linking Venice to the mainland.

Culture Minister Sangiuliano said cleaning the Senate cost around 40,000 euros.

“Attacks on monuments and artistic sites cause economic damage to the community. Cleaning up requires the intervention of highly specialised personnel and the use of very expensive machinery,” he said.

($1 = 0.9172 euros)

(Reporting by Angelo Amante, editing by Gavin Jones and Alex Richardson)