Italy’s parliament has given final approval to alaw criminalising illegal immigration and allowing citizens’ patrols tohelp the police keep order.
The new measures have been strongly criticised by human rights groups and the Vatican.
Illegalimmigration will be punishable by a hefty fine and those who knowinglyhouse illegal migrants will face up to three years in prison.
The law also extends detention periods for illegal migrants to six months.
It was passed in the Senate (upper house) on Thursday, with 157 in favour and 124 against. The lower house passed it in May.
Citizens’ patrols
The unarmed citizens’ patrols are among the most controversial measures.
A right-wing uniformed group called the Italian National Guard wasset up last month, likened by some to Benito Mussolini’s Fascists. Itvowed to start patrolling the streets.
But Interior MinisterRoberto Maroni said the group, which sports beige uniforms and blackmilitary-style hats, would not be allowed to mount street patrols.