Five Star Movement attacks: "The League's bill equates criticism of Israel with anti-Semitism. A scandalous gag."

Equating criticism of the State of Israel with Zionism or anti-Jewish hatred. This is the proposal of a bill introduced by the League's Senate group leader, Massimiliano Romeo , and filed in the Constitutional Affairs Committee at the Senate.

"In light of the armed conflict currently underway in the Middle East and the repercussions this war has on our country, including on a civilian level, given the media interest shown by the news outlets and the numerous citizen demonstrations, the need for this proposal arises, which aims to adopt the operational definition of anti-Semitism within the scope of current legislation," the text reads at the beginning.

M5S Senator Alessandra Maiorino announced the news in a statement. "Almost quietly, in the week preceding the parliamentary recess, the Senate Constitutional Affairs Committee is tabling the proposal by Lega Nord member Romeo on the 'operational definition of anti-Semitism': in reality, an unprecedented gag on freedom of expression, arriving just as a genocide is taking place in Gaza before the eyes of the world," attacks Alessandra Maiorino, vice president of the M5S group in the Senate.

The text refers to the so-called 'IHRA definition' of anti-Semitism, "a highly controversial formulation that equates criticism of the State of Israel with Zionism or anti-Jewish hatred. Thus, anyone who denounces war crimes, the occupation, apartheid, or Netanyahu 's policies of apartheid and ethnic cleansing can be labeled an anti-Semite," Maiorino continues. "Article 3 of the text even goes so far as to deny authorization for any demonstration that poses 'a serious potential risk through the use of anti-Semitic symbols, slogans, messages, and any other anti-Semitic act within the meaning of the operational definition of anti-Semitism.' Therefore, criticizing Israel and its government is prohibited by law. We are no longer in the field of fighting discrimination, but in that of repressing free expression and political thought."

For the Movement's vice president, this is a "very dangerous and dictatorial path, coming the day after Israel's bombing of the Palestinian Crescent, which was also criticized by the leaders of the Italian Red Cross. The League is bowing to the diktats of the Netanyahu government: not only must it have a free hand, but even speaking out about its actions could be considered criminal. We will oppose it by all means. This bill only serves to guarantee impunity, to target dissent, and to muzzle those who still have the courage to speak out. Opposing it now is not only a civic duty and a choice of conscience, but an obligation for those who cherish the constitutional rights that remain in force," she added.