Italy rape law

Italy\'s government has passed a law on sexual violence and illegal immigration after a series of rapes blamed on foreigners.



The decree sets a mandatory life sentence for the rape of minors or attacks where the victim is killed.



It also establishes rules for citizen street patrols to be conducted by unarmed and unpaid volunteers.



Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said the number of sexual assaults fell by 10 per cent last year.



However he said the government is still concerned as a result of three high-profile rapes last weekend.