Lower House OKs measure making squatting criminal offense

(ANSA) - ROME, SEP 11 - The Lower House on Wednesday approved a new measure in article 10 of the security bill that makes squatting in residential buildings a criminal offense punishable by jail terms ranging from two to seven years.
    Members of the centre-left opposition slammed the new crime of "arbitrary occupation" of a residential property, saying it was "superfluous" and "only made for newspaper headlines", claiming there are already articles in the criminal code that cover this offense.
    Democratic Party (PD) lawmaker Marco Lacarra said the measure could also affect tenants who fall behind on rent because of a sudden hardship or job loss. (ANSA).