The antisemitism bill being debated in Italy’s Chamber of Deputies became the focus of protests featuring pro-Palestinian chants, while UN Special Rapporteur on Palestine Francesca Albanese also criticized the legislation.
Demonstrators gathered outside the Chamber of Deputies, raised Palestinian flags and used bells and whistles. Protesters carried signs reading “No to the antisemitism bill,” “Criticizing Israel is not antisemitism” and “Protest is a right,” while chanting “Free Palestine.”
Criticism of the bill
The legislation under discussion in Italy would provide training on Judaism and Israeli culture for personnel working under the ministries of defense, justice, interior and education, as well as for law enforcement officers.
In a statement, Albanese questioned why Israeli culture should be taught in Italy. She argued that the legislation was part of an approach to “Israelize society” advocated by government elites and part of the opposition, and called on the Italian public to oppose the bill.
In another statement, Albanese described the bill as “pro-apartheid” and argued that it could prevent claims that Israel had committed the crime of apartheid based on racial discrimination and that this had evolved into genocide.
Albanese also said that accusations against Israel by the United Nations and other institutions could be classified as antisemitism. She argued that the legislation would make Italy a pioneer of pro-Israel censorship, and had also said at an event she attended in Rome last month that the bill violated the Italian Constitution.
Progress of DDL 1004
Known publicly as the “antisemitism bill,” DDL 1004 provides for the criteria adopted by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance to be used in defining antisemitism.
After the bill passed a vote in Italy’s Senate in March, the legislation is being debated in the Chamber of Deputies for final approval. Protests against the bill are continuing.
