ROME, April 22 (Xinhua) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet won a confidence vote in the House of Representatives on Wednesday on a new security law, paving the way for its final approval.
Lawmakers of the lower house voted 203 in favour and 111 against the confidence vote, which the government called to prevent amendments to the legislation.
The controversial security law includes stricter provisions on demonstrations, property occupations and the use of bladed weapons by minors. Police may place repeat offenders under preventive detention for up to 12 hours if they are suspected of planning riots or other violent acts during public gatherings.
Italian media said the package has sparked criticism, particularly over a provision granting financial incentives of up to 615 euros (720 U.S. dollars) to lawyers who help irregular migrants voluntarily return to their countries of origin.
The provision has raised concerns from President Sergio Mattarella, while professional associations of lawyers and magistrates have called it unconstitutional.
Meloni said on Tuesday that the controversial provision would be revised in a separate decree very soon, before it is expected to be finally approved by parliament by Friday.
