Anti-Mafia author Roberto Saviano on trial for calling Italy’s PM a ‘bastard’
- Italy’s PM Giorgia Meloni sued Saviano following a 2020 interview in which he lambasted her and fellow politician Matteo Salvini over attacks on migrant rescue NGOs
- If convicted, Saviano could face up to three years in prison but under Italy’s legal system a fine of at least €500 or a suspended sentence are more likely
Roberto Saviano, Italy’s best-known anti-Mafia author and a leading human rights campaigner, went on trial for libel on Tuesday for calling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a “bastard”.
If convicted, he could face three years’ imprisonment but under Italy’s legal system a fine of at least €500 (US$520) or a suspended sentence are more likely.
“I’ll defend the legitimacy of the critique of Power, even when it is harsh,” the 43-year-old told Reuters in written remarks ahead of appearing before a Rome court.
Meloni sued Saviano following a December 2020 television interview in which he lambasted her and fellow right-wing leader Matteo Salvini over their attacks on migrant rescue NGOs.
“All the bulls**t [said about NGOs], sea taxis, cruises [for migrants],” he said. “All I can say is: bastards, how could you? Meloni, Salvini: bastards.”
Saviano spoke after seeing footage of a sea rescue by Spanish NGO Open Arms in which a six-month old baby from Guinea died before he could be airlifted to Italy.
Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party was then in opposition, responded with legal action against the “serial hater” Saviano.
