Berlusconi puts troops on Italian city streets

Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has deployed an iron fist of 3,000 troops from all sections of the armed forces to patrol city streets alongside regular police officers in a new government strategy of getting tough on crime. In total, 1,000 troops are now stationed in Rom, positioned at railway stations, metro stops and immigration detention centers. The troops have no power of arrest and can only stop, search and question suspects. If they believe someone may have criminal intentions they must call up proper police officers. Soldiers were also stationed in other cities, such as Milan, where they patrolled outside the Duomo and also in Palermo, Florence, Naples and Turin. Interior minister Roberto Maroni and his defence colleague Ignazio La Russo have both insisted the measure will help cut down crime, which has risen sharply in recent months. They both defended the operation, saying it would free up police for other duties, but police unions said it was an insult to them and threatened strike action. Much of the increased crime rate has been blamed on illegal immigrants, but many opposition members of parliament have criticized the deployment, saying it "will make Italy resemble a South American dictatorship." Center-Left senator and former Rome prefect Achille Serra, said the deployment was "useless and ineffective" and added: "I'll remind you that we're not in Beirut." As part of his anti-crime initiative, Berlusconi's government pushed legislation through parliament last month aimed at stemming illegal immigration. It also declared a state of emergency that gave police and local authorities added powers to tackle immigration-related problems. But the government's handling of immigration and minority issues -- particularly regarding Roma people -- has sparked criticism from the Vatican, human rights groups and some European bodies over fears it could stoke xenophobia.