MILAN (Thursday Times) – In a landmark decision highlighting Italy’s stringent defamation laws, a Milan court has fined an Italian man €5,000 for mocking the height of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on social media. This underscores the legal risks associated with criticising public figures in Italy, where defamation laws are among the strictest in Europe.
The defendant, whose identity has not been disclosed, made derogatory comments about Meloni’s height, leading to the prime minister filing a defamation lawsuit. Meloni, known for her zero-tolerance stance on defamation, argued that the comments were damaging to her reputation and dignity.
This case is the latest in a series of legal actions taken by Meloni against her critics. Previously, she sued journalist Roberto Saviano for calling her a “bastard” during a television interview in 2020. Saviano’s comment came in response to Meloni’s harsh rhetoric on immigration policies following the tragic death of a six-month-old migrant baby. The court fined Saviano €1,000, although the amount was significantly less than the €75,000 demanded by Meloni’s lawyers. Saviano has vowed to appeal the verdict, viewing it as an attack on freedom of speech.
The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future defamation suits in Italy, potentially impacting the way criticism of public officials is handled legally and socially.
