Anti-mafia author Roberto Saviano has been put on trial for calling Giorgia Meloni an “asshole” long before she became Italy’s prime minister. He is charged with libel. The current head of government has now told the Milanese daily Corriere della Sera that she sees no reason to withdraw the lawsuit, although the writers’ association PEN International had spoken in favor. The court will guarantee a fair trial, Meloni said.
Meloni launched her lawsuit against Saviano after a television interview in December 2020 in which he berated right-wing populist and Lega leader Matteo Salvini for her criticism of NGOs for rescuing migrants. The writer has therefore been on trial for defamation since mid-November.
There is a risk of up to three years in prison
Meloni’s lawyer Luca Libra recently hinted that the Prime Minister would consider dropping the case against Saviano – as suggested by writers’ association PEN International. If convicted, Saviano faces up to three years in prison, although under the Italian legal system a fine of at least €500 or a suspended sentence is more likely.
Saviano’s trial began on November 16 in a court in Rome, but the hearing was postponed to December 12 due to the appointment of a new judge. Lega boss and transport minister Salvini filed an application to participate in a civil lawsuit.
Meloni accused NGOs of smuggling
The case comes amid further disputes between migrant rescue organizations and Italy’s new right-wing government. Meloni’s government accuses ships belonging to NGOs of illegally smuggling migrants to southern Italy. The government refused to dock the Ocean Viking rescue ship in Sicily two weeks ago, forcing it to go to France. This led to a dispute between Rome and Paris.
Source: Krone
I am Wallace Jones, an experienced journalist. I specialize in writing for the world section of Today Times Live. With over a decade of experience, I have developed an eye for detail when it comes to reporting on local and global stories. My passion lies in uncovering the truth through my investigative skills and creating thought-provoking content that resonates with readers worldwide.
