SUMMARY

• Protesters gathered outside Italy’s Parliament against proposed antisemitism legislation.
• Opponents say the bill could affect criticism of Israel and pro-Palestine activism.
• Supporters say it strengthens efforts to combat antisemitism while protecting political expression.

ITALY: Protesters gathered outside Italy’s Parliament in Rome on Friday to oppose proposed legislation aimed at combating antisemitism.

Demonstrators marched and chanted while waving Palestinian and Iranian flags. Placards included messages such as “Dissent cannot be silenced” and “Anti-Zionism is not antisemitism.”

Protesters Challenge Bill

Maya Issa, president of the Movement of Palestinian Students in Italy, said the protesters were opposing Senate Bill 1004, which is now being examined by Italy’s Chamber of Deputies.

Issa argued that the legislation could conflate antisemitism with anti-Zionism and affect pro-Palestine activism. She also called for sanctions against Israel and for Italy to end diplomatic and economic ties with the country.

Maurizio Acerbo, national secretary of the Communist Refoundation Party, called for the legislation to be withdrawn.

Actor Massimo Wertmuller also criticised the proposed law, saying people should retain the ability to express opposition to the current state of world affairs.

Opponents raise free speech concerns as Italy debates new antisemitism rules.

Bill Adopts IHRA Definition

The legislation would formally adopt the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s working definition of antisemitism, including its accompanying examples.

The Senate approved the bill in March, with 105 votes in favour, 24 against and 21 abstentions. The Chamber of Deputies began examining the legislation in September.

The bill states that political criticism and freedom of expression, as well as freedom of assembly and association, remain protected under Italy’s constitutional principles. It also does not introduce new criminal penalties.

Debate Over Free Speech

The legislation has divided political groups over how antisemitism should be defined and addressed.

Opposition groups have raised concerns that the IHRA definition could make legitimate criticism of Israel more difficult. The bill’s supporters argue that it is focused on combating antisemitism and does not prevent political criticism of Israel...