Italy Plans Fines for Vandalism of Monument, Art, Cultural Sites

VIVA – The Italian government is taking serious about vandals who damage monuments, art, or other cultural sites. They will be fined around $65,000 or IDR 162 million.

The government already approved a bill to fine vandals. This fine money will later be used to pay for the repair and cleaning of monuments or historical cultural sites.

The legislation championed by Italian Culture Minister Genmaro Sangiuliano, was proposed following a string of vandalism by environmental activists across the European nation.

Earlier this month, activists protesting fossil fuels dyed the water black in Rome's iconic Barracia fountain at the foot of the Spanish Steps.

"The attacks on monuments and artistic sites produce economic damage to all. To clean it up, the intervention of highly specialized persinnel and the use of very costly machines are needed," Sangiuliano said in a statement, on Tuesday.

"Whoever carries out these acts must assume also the financial responsibility," he added.

"The fines would range from 10,000 to 60,000 euros (about $11,000 to $65,000) and would help with repairs and clean-up. Offenders could also face criminal charges.

Vandalism by environmental activists to the facade of Palazzo Madama, a 15th-century palace that houses the Italian Senate, recently cost the government around $44,000 to repair, Sangiuliano informed.

Last year, an American tourist caused $27,000 worth of damage to Rome's Spanish Steps after throwing an electroc bicycle down the 18th century stairway.

That incident came just weeks after a Saudi tourist drove a Maserati dowm the 138 steps, causing an estimated 50,000 euros worth of damage.

The bill swung into law following the cabinet's approval on Tuesday but will expire if it is not adopted by Parliament within 60 days.

Premier Giorgia Meloni's right-wing government holds a majority and is expected to pass the legislation.

Italy joins a host of other European countries and cities that have imposed similiar measures to deter badly behaving tourists.

The Netherlands' capital, Amsterdam, has introduced several regulations this year as part of its "stay away" campaign, including the early closure of bars and restaurants as well as a ban on cannabis in its famous red light district.