Italy’s Senate OKs Anti-Terrorism Package

Italy’s Senate overwhelmingly approved tougher anti-terrorism measures Friday, including provisions that would allow authorities to hold suspects longer without charges and to retain telephone records.

The package, which still must be voted on by parliament’s lower chamber, also would make it a crime to recruit and train people for terrorist activities.

Internet threats have mentioned Italy as a possible target of terrorists because of the government’s support of the U.S.-led war in Iraq and deployment of troops there. Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi’s Cabinet approved the stricter measures last week.

The legislation drew wide support in the Senate from most opposition members, except for senators with the Green Party and two communist parties.

Senators added measures Thursday and Friday to the package approved by the Cabinet, including one doubling the penalty for anyone purposely hiding their face in public to as much as two years in prison and a $2,400 fine.

The new rules also would permit authorities to take saliva samples from suspects for DNA tests and would make it a crime to train people to prepare or use explosives without government authorization.

The package also would increase security on Italy’s transportation system.