Italian parliament to hear anti-terrorism measures

Italy’s interior minister was to brief parliament today on extra anti-terrorism measures proposed following the deadly bombings in London last week.

Italy has stepped up its level of alert and tightened security after the explosions, and Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu has said new legislative measures might be needed to help Italy prevent a possible future attack.

News reports have said Pisanu’s plans may include allowing police to detain suspects longer without charges, quicker expulsion of illegal immigrants deemed a danger, and giving incentives for those helping investigators bring down terrorist cells.

Also among the ideas is a “super-prosecutor” to co-ordinate terrorism investigations in the same way Italy’s anti-Mafia prosecutors have worked.

Internet threats – including one posted in a claim of responsibility for Thursday’s bombings in London – have mentioned Italy as a target of future attacks.