MODENA – Audio equipment worth more than 100,000 euros was seized from a Halloween rave party in the city in Emilia-Romagna, police said. The unlicensed gathering provoked Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s newly formed government to pass a decree making such events illegal. 

 Modena police forces confiscated more than 100 items of equipment used in the ‘Witchtek’ rave on Tuesday, after the warehouse venue had been peacefully evacuated. A convoy of 14 vans was required to transport the various instruments, loudspeakers and mixers, which were valued at almost 150,000 euros in total. 

 Some 14 people have been charged with organising the rave which residents complained played loud techno music for two days non-stop. These charges and the sequestration of equipment took place the day after the event was shut down in a peaceful manner and without the use of force on Monday, following an agreement between police and representatives of the participants. Before leaving, many ravers stayed to collect litter and ensure the warehouse was as clean as possible. “Party’s over!” wrote Matteo Salvini, leader of Lega and deputy prime minister, on Twitter.

 In a response to the Modena rave, Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni’s new government said that unlicensed raves would be made illegal. Partygoers could now face up to six years in prison for attending gatherings that endanger public order, health or safety with more than 50 participants. The new law was intended to protect people from harm, Meloni explained.

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