Lower House Passes Wiretap Bill Limiting Duration in Criminal Investigations
Rome: The Lower House has given final approval to a bill that imposes limits on the duration of wiretaps in criminal investigations. The legislation was passed on Wednesday night with 147 votes in favor, 67 against, and one abstention.
According to Ansa News Agency, the bill had already received approval from the Senate on October 9 last year. Drafted by centre-right Forza Italia (FI) Senator Pierantonio Zanettin, the legislation sets a 45-day limit for wiretaps. Extensions to this limit are permissible only when deemed “absolutely indispensable” and must be justified by “specific and concrete elements,” as stated in the text of the bill. Importantly, the time limit does not apply to terrorism and organized crime cases.
The measure has faced criticism from members of the centre-left opposition and the judiciary, who argue that it could hinder investigations into serious crimes such as murder and gender-based violence. Federico Gianassi, the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) whip in the justice commission, expressed concerns, describing the bill as a “grave error” that restricts wiretaps used in investigations of serious crimes like homicide.
Deputy Justice Minister Francesco Paolo Sisto defended the bill, asserting that it will not impede investigative needs. He explained that while wiretaps will continue to be authorized, they will now require stronger justifications.
Cesare Parodi, president of the judiciary’s union, the National Association of Magistrates (ANM), voiced apprehensions on Thursday during an interview with State broadcaster RAI’s Tg2. He stated that the measure could complicate efforts to uncover the truth in cases involving crimes such as robbery, sexual violence, or child abuse. Parodi noted that “wiretaps connected to a series of crimes will have a 45-day deadline that can be extended with a more restrictive law,” which he acknowledged as a legitimate government choice but one that may make it harder to ascertain the truth in certain crimes.