The Italian government has approved a legislative decree modifying Article 114 of the Code of Criminal Procedure, restricting the publication of pre-trial detention orders until preliminary investigations or hearings are concluded.

This move, known as the "Costa Law," aims to align national laws with European directives on the presumption of innocence.

However, it has sparked controversy, with the National Federation of the Italian Press (Fnsi) criticizing it as a "gag law" that limits press freedom and public access to information.

The decree, which only allows the publication of charges, is seen as a step back from the 2017 law that permitted broader access to judicial documents.

The measure now awaits parliamentary review, though their opinion is non-binding.