Politics
The video •
Hamas and Hezbollah flags appear at the sit-in against the Anti-Semitism Bill (organised by the PD and M5S)
At the demonstration against the definition of the IHRA contained in the bill under discussion in the Chamber of Deputies, flags of terrorist organisations from Lebanon and Palestine are being waved, alongside that of Iran. Tensions arise with those present. MPs from the broad coalition make a hasty retreat
Hamas and Hezbollah flags appeared at the demonstration against the Anti-Semitism Bill. Among the chants was one devised by a listener of La Zanzara praising the terrorist group. The sit-in, organised by various left-wing groups as well as Amnesty International, ANPI and Potere al Popolo, took place in front of Piazza Montecitorio, opposite the Chamber of Deputies: the text of the decree to combat anti-Semitism is currently being debated in the Constitutional Affairs Committee.
The protest was organised to oppose the measure, which had already been approved by the Senate, and specifically against the chosen definition of antisemitism: that of theIHRA (International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance), which has caused discontent amongst opposition parties, including in the Senate. There were moments of tension when some participants argued with those waving the flags of terrorist groups.
Also taking part in the demonstration were several MPs from the M5S and the PD, who left before the Hamas and Hezbollah flags arrived. Among them were Riccardo Ricciardi and Laura Boldrini (the only PD member). Also present were members of the Young Democrats and the Youth Network, the youth wing of the M5S.
Reactions
“Taking to the streets to protest against the Anti-Semitism Bill, according to press agencies, fellow MPs from across the political spectrum were reportedly at the same demonstration as those chanting in support of Hamas and displaying its symbols: an unprecedented event that undermines every justification used to explain today’s votes in the Constitutional Affairs Committee and lays bare the gravity of certain positions held by the left,” commented Augusta Montaruli, a member of Fratelli d’Italia and a member of the committee examining the bill. “Above all,” she continued, “this would confirm the shameful proximity of certain opposition MPs to organisations that claim responsibility for extremist, violent and terrorist acts. The left-wing coalition is proving itself to be irresponsible and incapable of distancing itself from those who sow hatred.”
"Just as we expected," said Maurizio Gasparri, chairman of the Foreign Affairs and Defence Committees and a member of Forza Italia. “Not only are they telling lies about the anti-Semitism law, but various left-wing groups, sections of the PD, members of the Five Star Movement, social centres and even representatives of the National Press Federation and the ANPI are gathering in Piazza Montecitorio alongside people waving the flags of Hezbollah and Hamas, terrorist organisations. This is a very serious matter.”
“But if the sit-in currently taking place outside the Chamber of Deputies is solely to protest against the Anti-Semitism Bill – which, rightly or wrongly, is considered somewhat illiberal – why are these participants instead chanting in support of Hamas and Hezbollah?” asks Luigi Marattin, secretary of the Liberal Democratic Party. “And do the two parties from the broad coalition who are in the square with them share these slogans?”
“There should be no distinctions when it comes to the fight against anti-Semitism,” commented Lega MP Andrea Barabotti. “And yet,” he continued, “this is also happening in Italy… and so a section of the left ends up in the same square as those who praise Hamas, Hezbollah and Nasrallah.” In a social media post, he explains: “One can criticise Israel, debate the choices of its government and hold differing views on the conflict. But when it comes to anti-Semitism and the glorification of terrorism, the line must be crystal clear. There can be no ambiguity on this. Ever.”