ROME: An Italian court on Thursday handed a suspended fine of one thousand euros to journalist Roberto Saviano for defaming Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni by criticising her stance on migrants.
Saviano, best known for his international mafia bestseller “Gomorrah”, had urged the far-right leader a “bastard” on national television channel in December 2020, when Meloni was still in opposition.
His lawyer Antonio Nobile said he would appeal the ruling, after a trial that has generated fears over freedom of speech in country, AFP reported.
But the fine was far less than the 10,000 euros requested by the prosecutor, and the 75,000 euros in damages demanded by the lawyer of Meloni.
It was also suspended, meaning it required not be paid except in the case of a repeat offence, and will not be mentioned on the criminal record of Saviano.
Speaking to journalist outside the Rome court, Saviano said Meloni’s hard-right regime had sought to “intimidate” him for calling out “lies” about migrants and the charity vessels that rescue them in the Mediterranean.
But he added that there is no greater honour for a writer than to see their own words brought to test.
In court, Meloni’s counsel Luca Libra had said Saviano’s words were not criticism but an “insult”, accusing him of using vulgar, excessive, and aggressive language.
Press freedom concerns in Italy
Press freedom organizations had supported Saviano in a trial he had described as a test of whether or not it is possible to exercise the right of criticism in the country.
Sabrina Tucci of PEN International said it was deeply disappointed at the ruling.
She said that this sentence is an attack on freedom of expression which the constitution of Itali and international law recognise as an inalienable human right.
