Image source: Corriere della Sera

Saviano acquitted for calling Salvini "minister of the underworld"

The Rome court acquitted Roberto Saviano of defamation for calling Matteo Salvini "minister of the underworld" in a 2018 post. Saviano speaks of persecution; Salvini rejects the accusations and announces new lawsuits.

The Rome court, with a single-judge, acquitted Roberto Saviano of the charge of defamation for calling Matteo Salvini "underworld" in a 2018 post.

Saviano explained that the wording evoked the thought of Gaetano Salvemini as a tradition of moral denunciation and said the ruling shows the risk inherent in requesting the removal of the security detail.

Salvini, who was then Interior Minister, replied defending his actions against the clans — citing seizures from the Casamonica and the opening of offices of the ANBSC — and announced that he will refile the lawsuit.

The association Articolo 21 and Saviano’s lawyer were cited as defenders in the affair, which brings back to the center the clash between freedom of criticism and the criminal limits of defamation.

What position do you feel closer to?

Supporters of Saviano

Saviano’s acquittal is an important signal: harsh political criticism, especially on human rights issues, cannot be gagged by a minister’s lawsuits.

Supporters of Salvini

Saviano’s acquittal is a serious sign: very heavy insults against a minister are being normalized, weakening respect for institutions and discouraging those who want to defend their reputation.

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