A committee of Italy's lower house rejected a request by Rome prosecutors to seize messages between lawmaker Andrea Delmastro and Mauro Caroccia, a restaurateur convicted of mafia-related offences. The chats are sought for a money-laundering investigation involving Caroccia and his daughter. The matter now moves to the full chamber for a final vote.
Five Star Movement members on the committee accused the governing majority of shielding Delmastro. The party's Senate group leader said they would not vote on the related amendment.
The decision triggered a protest in the Senate, where Five Star senators occupied government benches and displayed banners reading "Release the chats." Scuffles broke out between Five Star and Brothers of Italy senators, with one senator reportedly hurling insults and threats at a colleague. The presiding officer suspended the session.