ITALY: An Italian journalist has been fined 1,000 euros for disrespecting Prime Minister Georgia Meloni.
The journalist Roberto Saviano used a defamatory word for the Prime Minister in an interview in 2020.
According to the BBC, Saviano criticized Meloni for her comments about charity vessels that operate to rescue migrants in the sea.
Free speech groups condemn the verdict
Free speech advocates were quick to notice and condemn the verdict that goes against free speech.
PEN International, an international free speech organization, said the ruling sends a clear message to journalists and critics that “their words could see them on trial for years,” PEN said.
Saviano is also facing three years imprisonment
Meanwhile, in another case, Saviano is facing three years imprisonment for defaming Italy Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini.
Saviano referred to Salvini as the “Minister of the Underworld” in his 2018 speech, which can land him imprisoned if he is found guilty.
