Milan protest held against antisemitism bill — Anadolu Agency

In Milan, hundreds of people protested against bill DDL 1004, which is being considered by the Italian parliament. Representatives of Jewish groups joined the action near the La Scala opera house, calling for the document to be rejected, Anadolu Agency reports.

What the bill provides for

DDL 1004 was initiated by the far-right League party, the junior partner in Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's right-wing coalition. The bill proposes using the criteria adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to define antisemitism. In March, the document was approved by the Senate and is now being considered by the Chamber of Deputies for final approval.

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Position of the participants in the action

Participants in the rally waved Palestinian flags, rang bells and blew whistles. They held placards calling for the bill not to be adopted, as well as stating that criticism of Israel is not antisemitism and that protest is a right. Demonstrators chanted “Free Palestine.”

Speakers called the bill dangerous. In their view, it could equate criticism of Israel with racial hatred and restrict statements about the occupation and discrimination against Palestinians. Giulia, a representative of the Jewish Anti-Racist Laboratory, said that Italy already has the 1993 Mancino Law, which contains provisions against hate crimes, racism, discrimination and fascist propaganda. Another action against DDL 1004 is planned near the Chamber of Deputies in Rome.