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In a ruling that has sparked concerns about freedom of speech, a Milan court has ordered journalist Giulia Cortese to pay €5,000 in damages to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for mocking her height on social media, a case that has been criticized as ‘body shaming’.
The incident dates back to October 2021, before Meloni became Italy’s far-right coalition government prime minister. Cortese, 36, faced legal consequences for posting a photoshopped image on Twitter depicting Meloni next to fascist leader Benito Mussolini. While acquitted for this image, Cortese was convicted for subsequent tweets in which she commented on Meloni’s height.
In response to the court’s decision, Cortese expressed disbelief and referred to her conviction over what she called a “joke phrase” as “scandalous”. Cortese told the Guardian, “There is a climate of persecution. I don’t feel free to criticize this government anymore.”
Meloni’s lawyer confirmed plans to donate the awarded damages to charity when the verdict becomes final. The prime minister, who is 1.63 meters (5 feet 3 inches) tall, has faced criticism for her government’s defamation lawsuits to silence opposition.
Recent cases include a €1,000 fine imposed on anti-mafia writer Roberto Saviano for critical remarks about Meloni’s migration policies during a televised interview. Meloni also took legal action against journalist Rula Jebreal over a tweet in September 2022.
Critics argue that Meloni’s administration has wielded influence over Italy’s media landscape, pointing to controversies such as the alleged censorship of an anti-fascist monologue by state broadcaster Rai.
In response to accusations of silencing critics, Meloni defended her actions on social media, accusing detractors of hypocrisy and framing her government’s stance as a defence against leftist opposition.
While Cortese has the option to appeal the court’s decision, she remains undecided, citing the potential financial risks involved.
News Ghana, Latest Updates and Breaking News of Ghana, News Ghana, https://newsghana.com.gh/italian-journalist-ordered-to-pay-damages-for-mocking-pms-height/
