Hundreds protest controversial antisemitism bill in Italy

Hundreds of demonstrators gathered in Milan to protest a controversial antisemitism bill moving through Italy's legislative process, with Jewish groups among those joining the rally against the measure.

Protesters argued the proposed legislation, intended to combat antisemitism, could have the unintended effect of silencing legitimate criticism of Israeli government policy and expressions of solidarity with Palestinians.

Organizers said the bill's definitions risk conflating criticism of Israel's state actions with antisemitism itself, a concern that has been raised in debates over similar legislation in other countries.

Supporters of the bill have framed it as a necessary response to rising antisemitic incidents, a concern shared across much of Europe in recent years amid broader tensions linked to the conflict in the Middle East.

The protest in Milan reflects an ongoing debate within Italy and across Europe over how governments can address antisemitism without infringing on political speech related to Israeli policy and the Palestinian cause.