Italy: unfair system

Since 2011 onwards in Lombardia, some 16 places of worship of various Evangelical groups have been closed.

Most of these buildings were used by migrant churches which ordinarily find it more difficult to find legal protection and are often hesitant to be outspoken about their problems. In 2005 a regional law was passed that allowed the local police to check whether or not these buildings were registered as places of worship. Its motivation was to control the presence of Muslim places for prayer but it was also a form of hostility towards foreigners.

Complex situation

Normally, local police would receive complaints by the neighbourhood for noise or parking issues. Then they would check the status of the building and discover that it is not registered as a place for worship but as a shop, warehouse, garage, etc. So they would come back with an order from the city council and close them.