MILAN - The La Scala theatre in Milan have blocked a move to instate Saudi Arabia’s culture minister Prince Badr to the venue’s board.

 The possible election of Prince Badr to the position had been met with backlash from other members of the board who described the move as “unscrupulous,” as well as in Lombardy and Italy more widely.

 Of particular concern were Saudi Arabia’s lack of respect for human rights and the impact that this may have had on such a prominent symbol for culture and the arts in Milan.

 Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini spoke out on the possibility of Prince Badr’s election saying, “You can’t go out and protest to defend human rights and then do business with countries that do not allow for much freedom, like Saudi Arabia.”

 It was reported that Prince Badr would have brought in 15 million euros over a five-year period, and 3 million euros had already been deposited in the bank account of a Milanese notary.

 However, La Scala’s board met on Monday to discuss the matter and vetoed such a move, later confirming that the money would be returned and that they were currently investigating new alleys for funding.

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