Renowned Italian journalist Roberto Saviano has been declared culpable of libel subsequent to his derogatory remarks about the country’s Prime Minister, Giorgia Meloni, during a televised conversation. Saviano expressed his thoughts on the Prime Minister using an expletive, while challenging her views on the refugee crisis in December 2020. As a punitive measure, the court has imposed a conditional fine of 1,000 Euros; however, Saviano is required to pay only if he repeats the offense. Advocates argue that the legal decision delivers a disturbing signal regarding journalistic freedom.
Following the proceedings, Saviano spoke to the attending media, asserting that this offensive by Meloni’s government was designed to intimidate him for his outspokenness against misinformation on migrant issues. Conversely, Meloni’s attorney argued that Saviano’s remarks were not valid criticism but an insult, made using excessive, aggressive, and inappropriate language.
The controversial episode had occurred during a television interview in December 2020 before Meloni was appointed Prime Minister. Saviano had condemned both Meloni and her right-wing compatriot, Matteo Salvini, for their statements on migrant rescue operations.
During her term as the opposition leader, Meloni had expressed that boats ferrying rescued refugees should be destroyed. This statement drew criticism from various quarters.
Despite calls from the Pen International writers’ association for the charges to be dropped, Meloni stood firm stating that the decision was in the hands of the judiciary. The association expressed its concerns about the repercussions of the ruling being a potential threat to freedom of speech and a warning signal to writers and journalists across Italy.
Saviano’s legal counsel announced that they plan to contest the verdict. Under the Italian legal system, certain defamation lawsuits might hold criminal connotations, carrying a potential incarceration period of up to three years.
This is not a first for Meloni, as she has filed comparable suits in the past, involving the editors of Domani newspaper, alleging that she facilitated an MP from her party to secure a government contract for procuring face masks amid the Covid-19 crisis.
Earlier this year, reports emerged that she was pursuing legal action against singer Brian Molko of the band Placebo, after he labeled her a fascist and racist during a concert in Turin.
