ROME - The Italian parliament on Wednesday approved a new security law proposed by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's cabinet, aimed at tightening penalties for public disorder and other offenses, despite sharp criticism from opposition parties and civil rights groups.

The legislation, introduced by government decree in early April, passed its final hurdle in the Senate with 109 votes in favor, 69 against, and one abstention. The lower house had approved the measure last week.

Key provisions of the new law include tougher penalties for offenses against law enforcement officers, fraud targeting the elderly, and acts of civil disobedience such as passive resistance, road blockages, and defacement of public monuments - a tactic recently used by environmental activists.

The law also empowers authorities to expedite the eviction of individuals illegally occupying vacant properties.

Following the vote, Meloni praised the law on social media, calling it "a crucial step to strengthen the protection of citizens, the most vulnerable, and our men and women in uniform".

However, the legislation has sparked widespread backlash across Italy. Critics argue that it restricts civil liberties and the right to peaceful protest. During Wednesday's Senate session, some senators staged a sit-in on the floor, chanting "Shame, shame", which led to a temporary suspension of proceedings.