Milan Judge Rules Against Italian Journalist for Defaming Prime Minister on Twitter

A judge in Milan has ruled that an Italian journalist, Giulia Cortese, is guilty of defaming Italy's prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, and has ordered her to pay compensation of 5,000 euros, along with court costs. The ruling, which took place on Wednesday, also entails a suspended fine of 1,200 euros for two Twitter posts made in October 2021. Cortese's lawyer, David Olivetti, confirmed the verdict, stating that the journalist had made derogatory remarks about Meloni in the posts.

In the first tweet, Cortese reportedly used disparaging language to describe Ms. Meloni, while the second post took aim at the prime minister's height, insinuating that she was only 1.2 meters tall. The prosecutor emphasized that the comments amounted to body shaming. Notably, in 2022, during a campaign rally, Ms. Meloni disclosed that she is, in fact, 1.58 meters tall.

Cortese's Response and Ongoing Harassment

Following the ruling, Cortese expressed that the past three years have been highly distressing for her. She revealed that her social media accounts were inundated with insults and threats from supporters of the prime minister, making the experience "very unpleasant." Cortese also criticized the trivialization of the Italian court system, expressing her belief that such cases detract from more serious matters that require the court's attention.

Implications of the Verdict

The verdict raises important questions about freedom of expression and the legal implications of behavior on social media. As online platforms continue to influence public discourse, the case of Giulia Cortese serves as a reminder of the responsibility that accompanies online expression. Furthermore, it highlights the challenges associated with regulating behavior in the digital sphere and the complex interplay between law, technology, and individual rights.