[abc.net] The Italian government has defended its decision to
use soldiers to patrol cities in an effort to curb crime, rejecting
criticism that it will "militarise" the streets. "There is a strong call from citizens for better control of the
streets, for improved safety," Defence Minister Ignazio La Russa told
Sky Italia television. "My hope is that particularly in the evening, in the cities, these troops can ensure greater safety."
The government announced on Friday that up to 2,500 soldiers, some
of whom have served in Afghanistan and Kosovo, would be made available
for a trial period of six months to bolster the police in difficult
urban areas.
Silvio Berlusconi’s new conservative government won an April
election on a law-and-order ticket, and crime and public safety have
stayed on top of the political agenda since Mr Berlusconi took office.
The government’s decision was attacked by the centre-left
opposition, with Roberta Pinotti, defence spokesman for the Democratic
party, expressing "firm opposition to the militarisation of the
streets".
Italy’s main trade unions said rather than using soldiers the
government should make better use of 25,000 police who are doing desk
work, and the mayor of Turin said the move was "populist demagoguery"
that would hurt tourism and Italy’s image abroad.
"I have only seen soldiers on the streets in Bogota, but there the
situation is rather different," Sergio Chiamparino told La Repubblica
daily.
Mr La Russa said he did not understand the criticism but specified
that the use of soldiers would not be permanent, with the initial
six-month period being renewable "just once."
"Very often just seeing a [soldier’s] uniform can be sufficient as prevention. I don’t see what the problem is," he said.
Source: http://www.abc.net.au/news/stories/2008/06/15/2274918.htm
