SHOTLIST: MILAN, ITALY (JUNE 6, 2024) (ANADOLU - ACCESS ALL) 1. VARIOS OF PROTESTERS CHANTING SLOGANS, HOLDING BANNERS 2. VARIOUS OF "STOP THE WAR", OTHER TEXTS PROJECTED ON SCREEN INSIDE THEATRE MILAN, ITALY - JUNE 6: A pro-Palestine demonstration took place on Friday, June 6, in front of Italy’s world-famous La Scala Theatre in support of an usher who was fired for shouting "Free Palestine" before a performance attended by Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Hundreds of protesters, organized by the CUB trade union, gathered outside the historic Milan venue, waving Palestinian flags and union banners. They condemned the dismissal of the employee, who had expressed solidarity with Palestine, and also protested Israel’s ongoing attacks on Gaza. Before the performance began, the CUB initiative projected the message "Stop the War" on the theatre’s stage, along with a quote from renowned Italian composer Giuseppe Verdi: "E vo gridando: pace! E vo gridando amor!" ("And I cry out: peace! And I cry out: love!"). The audience applauded the display. The controversy began on May 4 when the usher, a 24-year-old student, shouted "Free Palestine" as PM Meloni entered the royal box. Security personnel immediately removed her from the theatre, and La Scala’s management later terminated her employment for violating workplace rules. The decision sparked widespread public backlash, with critics accusing the theatre of suppressing free expression.