toughen

Legal scholars, however, say the recent criticism of provisional sentences ignores more than a decade of legislation and jurisprudence aimed at toughening up a legal system that can take years to reach a final verdict.

This week, Japan's new environment minister vowed to toughen bear controls, including by "training government hunters".

Any delay is likely to spark UK frustration, as it has long pressed Berlin to toughen up its rules and enforcement.

On the Italian side, the gangsters consider New York City to be a "gym" where their members go to be toughened up, criminology professor and modern organised crime expert Anna Sergi, previously told BBC.

Rome has cut taxes, toughened penalties for protesters and has taken steps on judicial reform, but has yet to confront the structural issues that many believe hold Italy back.