Forza Italia prepares response to blocked smartphone seizure bill

Forza Italia is preparing to discuss its response to a stalled bill on seizing smartphones in Italy.

The bill was approved by the Senate in April 2024 and is now stuck in the lower house’s Justice Committee.

It would require a longer process overseen by a preliminary investigations judge before electronic devices could be seized as evidence; currently, a prosecutor can authorize a seizure with a reasoned order.

Fratelli d’Italia opposes the bill, after Italy’s national anti-mafia prosecutor warned it could seriously harm investigations into organized crime.

The government also missed the deadline to use a separate legal route to change the rules, leaving the bill stalled in committee.

Forza Italia’s parliamentary groups are expected to meet soon to decide what steps to take, though the meeting may be delayed.

The party could push to bring the bill to the full chamber without committee debate, but a compromise has not been ruled out.