Protests planned at Montecitorio against proposed antisemitism bill

A national mobilization is planned for September 9 at Piazza Capranica, near Montecitorio, to protest the proposed “Antisemitism Bill” currently under discussion in the Constitutional Affairs Commission of the Italian Chamber of Deputies.

Protesters, including associations, journalists, and legal experts, argue that the bill seeks to codify the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of antisemitism into Italian law. Critics contend that this move could restrict political, cultural, and academic freedoms by conflating criticism of the state of Israel and its policies with antisemitism.

Organizers express concern that the legislation could lead to the criminalization of dissent regarding the situation in Gaza, including denunciations of apartheid, human rights violations, and colonial policies. They argue that while fighting antisemitism is essential, the bill risks creating a mechanism for censorship and self-censorship within universities, media, and public debate.