Italy arrests 141 in terror swoop

Reuters ^ | August 15, 2005 | Rachel Sanderson

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ROME (Reuters) - Italy has arrested 141 people in a security swoop following the bombings in London and Egypt last month and remains at high risk from an attack by Islamic militants, the Interior Ministry said on Monday.

Italy, the subject of several Internet threats from purported Islamic militant groups, said it had begun expulsion procedures against 701 people.

"The latest evaluations ... confirm an ongoing high risk of a terrorist attack on our country," the ministry said in a statement after a parliamentary meeting on the findings from a series of nation-wide raids in recent days.

Italy has not been attacked by Islamic militants on its home soil, but after bombings in July in London and the Egyptian resort of Sharm-el-Sheik most Italians fear it is only a matter of time before they are hit.

Italy, like Britain a close ally of the United States, has sent 3,000 troops to Iraq.

Officials have boosted security on Italy's transport system.

Nearly 33,000 people had been questioned in recent days as part of the nation-wide investigation that involved all branches of Italy's security and police forces, the ministry said.

Owners of money transfer agencies, call centre and Internet cafes had been investigated and two of the people arrested were brought in under newly-approved anti-terror laws, it added.

Parliament last month passed measures that give the Italian state greater powers to combat terrorism after Interior Minister Giuseppe Pisanu said terrorists were "knocking on Italy's door".

The package makes it easier for police to detain and deport suspects, increases penalties for terror-related crimes and gives approval for greater surveillance of Internet and telephone traffic.

Some critics argue the measures impinge on civil liberties, while others, including some commentators close to the centre-right coalition, have voiced concern Italy is not prepared to deal with the aftermath of an attack.

The ministry said in September there would be a trial run of emergency procedures in several areas of the country. Italy in the past has named Rome, Milan, Vatican City and towns like Florence and Venice as potential targets.