The initiative aims to address abuses related to the exploitation of legal loopholes by offenders

The Italian government on Thursday presented a bill proposing legislative measures aimed at strengthening public safety in the country. These measures include tougher penalties for crimes committed by pregnant women or those accompanied by young children, particularly targeting foreign pickpockets active on public transport. 

The proposed measures include penalizing individuals who exploit minors for begging purposes. The right-wing League party, a member of the ruling coalition, has pushed for the removal of a rule that allows pregnant women or women with young children to avoid arrest after committing a crime. The new proposal gives a judge the option of ordering their detention, without making it mandatory, according to reuters.com. 

Italian Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi emphasized that the initiative aims to address abuses related to the exploitation of legal loopholes by offenders. However, the proposal must be approved by both houses of parliament to become law. The progressive opposition has already criticized the measures, describing them as "an abuse of innocent women and their children".