Roberto Saviano receives a penalty for disrespecting Italian PM Giorgia Meloni

A well-known Italian journalist, Roberto Saviano, has been found guilty of libel after insulting Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in a television interview. Saviano used a swear word to describe Meloni while criticizing her stance on migration in December 2020. He has been given a suspended fine of 1,000 euros, which he will only have to pay if he repeats the offense. Campaigners have expressed concerns about the verdict, claiming it sends a negative message about press freedom. Speaking outside the court, Saviano accused Meloni's government of trying to intimidate him for exposing what he believed were falsehoods about migrants. Meloni's lawyer argued that Saviano's words were not criticism but rather an insult, stating that they were excessively vulgar and aggressive. The incident occurred before Meloni became prime minister. In the interview, Saviano criticized Meloni and fellow right-wing leader Matteo Salvini for their comments on migrant rescue charity vessels. As opposition leader at the time, Meloni had suggested sinking boats carrying rescued migrants. The Pen International writers' association urged the prime minister to drop the case, but Meloni insisted it was up to the judges to decide. The association condemned the verdict, describing it as a setback for free speech and a warning to writers and journalists in the country. Saviano's lawyer has stated that they will appeal the verdict. Under Italian law, defamation cases can carry a prison sentence of up to three years. Meloni has previously filed similar lawsuits, including one against the editors of Domani newspaper for alleging that she had tried to help a member of her party secure a government contract for face masks during the Covid-19 pandemic. She is also suing Brian Molko, the singer of the band Placebo, for defamation after he called her a fascist and racist during a performance in Turin.