Italian interior minister Roberto Maroni argues that the measure is designed to 'prevent phenomena such as begging'. But critics believe gypsy minorities are being unfairly targeted by the new, right-wing government led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi.
The European Commission has called for an investigation into the measures. Meanwhile, the European Parliament passed a resolution today that asks the Italian government to halt its plans. Euro MPs say it is unacceptable "to violate [gypsies'] fundamental rights and to criminalise them."