Published
Mon, Nov 7, 2022, 13:40
- Members of 16 sound systems are fighting to reclaim equipment seized by the police valued at €150,000.
Italy's right-wing government has been widely criticised for enacting a new "anti-rave" law after shutting down a free party in Modena on Halloween.
Held across the final weekend of October, Witchtek 2K22 was closed 24 hours early by police on Monday, October 31st. The authorities evicted 3,000 people from the abandoned warehouse seized €150,000 of audio equipment from 16 sound systems. 14 people are under investigation—a decision regarding their prosecution is still to be determined.
This led to the government—now ruled by newly appointed prime minister Giorgia Meloni and her Brothers of Italy party, which has neo-fascist roots—implementing the law. If passed by parliament in its current form, it will ban unauthorised gatherings of more than 50 people. These gatherings are considered a risk to public safety and order, according to Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi.
Under the new law, promoters hosting unauthorised events with more than 50 people could be fined between €1,000 and €10,000, and face between three and six years in prison. This echoes recent legislation in the UK aimed at curbing protest rights.
Justin Justin was at the rave with Dutch crew Kombativ Soundsystem. Speaking to Resident Advisor, he said the ravers cleaned up the site and negotiated a peaceful eviction with police. His crew lost €5,000's worth of audio equipment but are hopeful of getting it back with the help of an Italian lawyer.
Daniel Bui, who also attended Witchtek 2K22, believes the new law is being used as a pretext to ban any form of protest, demonstration or occupation. "They instrumentalise the underground scene for their own interests, or to prohibit any form of dissent," he told RA. "As if everyone should think the same way."
He added: "I witnessed thousands [of people]—who don't need laws to create a productive, self-sufficient society—getting evicted, cleaning up the place, then leaving peacefully. Our common interest is the collective wellbeing of everyone, something lacking in today's societies because the interests of a few override those of the majority."
Josko, a DJ, activist and veteran of Italy's early '90s rave scene, agreed. "It's just the beginning of a massive repressive political action," he told RA. "The 'rave decree' is just the peak of the iceberg. It's fucked up. With those bigots in charge, even our position in the EU could be at serious risk. I hope to be wrong."
Activists aren't the only ones concerned. Longtime promoter Gino Sonica said the new decree could also "make things tougher when applying for licenses to host events." He added: "Democracy is down. They will just make everything much more challenging with tougher procedures for anyone to do anything."
The police first arrived at the Modena rave on Friday, October 29th. That same day, 2,000 fascist sympathisers gathered in the town of Predappio, birthplace of dictator Benito Mussolini. Performing the stiff-armed salute and showing support for Meloni, they commemorated 100 years since Mussolini's march from Milan to Rome, where he seized power and ignited the era of fascism in Italy.
Anti-fascism is a fundamental principle of the Italian constitution. As well as prohibiting the revival of the dissolved Italian fascist party, the law forbids public displays of fascism. But Meloni's administration is now the first with neo-fascist roots since the ousting of Mussolini in 1943.
According to the Guardian, Italian centre-left politician Andrea Orland said the fascist "rave" in Predappio was "far more disturbing" and should have been on the government's radar instead of the Halloween party.
For now, veterans of Italy's free party movement are still picking up the pieces from Witchtek 2K22. Many have joined forces on social media to raise funds for anyone facing legal action.
"We're trying to figure out how to get this situation resolved ASAP to get our stuff back and get you all dancing," one sound system posted. "We made you dance and have fun, but now we need your help to do it again. We'd like to thank all participants who supported us from start to finish. It doesn't end here. Stay tuned guys."
RA has contacted the Ministry of the Interior of Italy for a response. We'll report more on this story as it unfolds.
Correction, November 15th: A previous version of this article said 14 people had been arrested. That was incorrect. They are only under investigation.
Josko, a DJ, activist and veteran of Italy's early '90s rave scene, agreed. "It's just the beginning of a massive repressive political action," he told RA. "The 'rave decree' is just the peak of the iceberg. It's fucked up. With those bigots in charge, even our position in the EU could be at serious risk. I hope to be wrong." Activists aren't the only ones concerned. Longtime promoter Gino Sonica said the new decree could also "make things tougher when applying for licenses to host events." He added: "Democracy is down. They will just make everything much more challenging with tougher procedures for anyone to do anything." The police first arrived at the Modena rave on Friday, October 29th. That same day, 2,000 fascist sympathisers gathered in the town of Predappio, birthplace of dictator Benito Mussolini. Performing the stiff-armed salute and showing support for Meloni, they commemorated 100 years since Mussolini's march from Milan to Rome, where he seized power and ignited the era of fascism in Italy. Anti-fascism is a fundamental principle of the Italian constitution. As well as prohibiting the revival of the dissolved Italian fascist party, the law forbids public displays of fascism. But Meloni's administration is now the first with neo-fascist roots since the ousting of Mussolini in 1943. According to the Guardian, Italian centre-left politician Andrea Orland said the fascist "rave" in Predappio was "far more disturbing" and should have been on the government's radar instead of the Halloween party. For now, veterans of Italy's free party movement are still picking up the pieces from Witchtek 2K22. Many have joined forces on social media to raise funds for anyone facing legal action. "We're trying to figure out how to get this situation resolved ASAP to get our stuff back and get you all dancing," one sound system posted. "We made you dance and have fun, but now we need your help to do it again. We'd like to thank all participants who supported us from start to finish. It doesn't end here. Stay tuned guys." RA has contacted the Ministry of the Interior of Italy for a response. We'll report more on this story as it unfolds. Correction, November 15th: A previous version of this article said 14 people had been arrested. That was incorrect. They are only under investigation.