BBC: Human rights group Amnesty International has said it is extremely alarmed by what it calls a "climate of discrimination" in Italy.
The Italian section of the rights body said recent tough new immigration measures were a worrying trend.
It added that politicians from both sides of the spectrum were legitimising the use of racist language.
Last week, Italy's new centre-right government introduced a series of measures aimed at improving security.
Illegal immigration will become punishable by up to four years in prison, it will be easier to expel illegal immigrants and there will be a three-year prison sentence for using minors to beg for money. Italy Condemned for 'Racism Wave' >>> | May 28, 2008
The Dawning of a New Dark Age (Paperback – Italy)
