Protest erupts in Italy over state broadcaster's pro-Israel stance

ROME

Tensions flared in Naples, Italy on Tuesday as pro-Palestinian supporters took to streets to protest state broadcaster RAI's endorsement of Israel during a music festival.

The demonstration, marred by clashes with police, resulted in 10 injuries.

The Sanremo Music Festival, an iconic event in Europe, concluded on Feb. 10 amid controversy.

The uproar began when Italian-Tunisian rapper Ghali Amdouni used his platform to demand an end to the genocide in Gaza, prompting a swift response from Israel's Ambassador Alon Bar.

RAI's CEO, Roberto Sergio, aligned the broadcaster with Israel, triggering widespread condemnation from Palestine supporters across Italy.

Around 200 protesters congregated outside RAI's headquarters in Naples, waving Palestinian flags and denouncing RAI's attempts to censor artists advocating for peace during the festival.

Chants of "Shame" and "Free Palestine" reverberated through the air as demonstrators highlighted the atrocities in Gaza.

Despite the peaceful intentions of the protest, tensions escalated as clashes broke out between demonstrators and security forces stationed at the RAI building.

Reports emerged of police resorting to batons to disperse the crowd, resulting in injuries to 10 people, including five protesters and five security personnel.

None of the injuries were reported as severe.

The aftermath of the protest signals further unrest across Italy, with additional demonstrations anticipated outside RAI offices nationwide in response to the broadcaster's pro-Israel stance.

Social media platforms have been inundated with criticism directed at Sergio, with many denouncing his position as "shameful" and out of touch with the plight of Palestinians.

Francesca Albanese, the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, added her voice to the chorus of condemnation, highlighting the stark contrast in RAI's solidarity between Israeli and Palestinian victims.

Albanese underscored the disparity in RAI's response, labeling it as one of the darkest chapters in the history of public broadcasting.