A Rome judge is poised to deliver a verdict in a criminal defamation trial against the Italian anti-mafia author Roberto Saviano for calling the prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, a “bastard”.
In a case that has attracted international attention and criticism of Italy’s draconian defamation laws, Saviano, who has lived under police protection since the publication of his bestselling book Gomorrah, faces up to three years in prison if found guilty at Rome’s criminal court on Thursday.
The global writers’ association, Pen International, has expressed solidarity with Saviano and urged Meloni to drop the charges.
Sabrina Tucci, the communications and campaigns manager for Pen who is in Rome for the hearing, said: “The fact that this lawsuit was initiated by Meloni, Italy’s prime minister, serves as a dangerous warning to writers and journalists, suggesting that their words could lead to prolonged legal battles, financial strain, emotional distress, and possible imprisonment. » | Angela Giuffrida in Rome | Thursday, October 12, 2023
Anti-Mafia-Kämpfer Roberto Saviano wegen Verleumdung verurteilt: Der Schriftsteller hatte Giorgia Melonis Haltung in der Migrationsfrage scharf kritisiert. Nun muss Saviano eine Geldstrafe zahlen, er selbst sieht sich als „Opfer einer autoritären Regierung“. »
