Anti-mafia author Saviano on trial for calling Italy PM Meloni a 'bastard'

ROME - Mr 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 of the libel charge, Mr Saviano, 43, could in theory face up to three years’ imprisonment, but under Italy’s legal system, a fine of at least around €500 (S$712) or a suspended sentence is more likely.

“I’ll defend the legitimacy of the critique of power, even when it is harsh. I have always argued my criticism and I will also do so in court,” the author said in written remarks to Reuters before the first hearing.

Ms Meloni sued Mr Saviano following a December 2020 TV interview in which he lambasted her and fellow right-wing leader Matteo Salvini over their attacks on migrant rescue non-governmental organisations.

“All the bullshit (said about NGOs), sea taxis, cruises (for migrants),” he said. “All I can say is: Bastards, how could you? Meloni, Salvini: bastards.”

Mr 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.

Ms Meloni, whose Brothers of Italy party was then in the opposition, responded with legal action against the “serial hater” Saviano.

But her lawyer Luca Libra told reporters outside the courtroom she may consider dropping the lawsuit – as she has been urged to by the PEN International writers’ association.

The trial was adjourned to Dec 12 after a short opening hearing in which Mr Salvini asked to be admitted as a plaintiff, meaning he could also win damages if Mr Saviano was found guilty.

Their court case will play out against a backdrop of disputes between migrant rescue charities and Italy’s new right-wing government.

Rome authorities accuse NGO ships of acting illegally, and last week refused to let one of them dock in Italy, forcing it to sail to France and provoking a bitter row with the French government.

Mr Saviano, who has lived under 24-hour police protection since his 2006 breakthrough book Gomorrah, an expose on the Naples mafia that was adapted into a movie and a TV series, was unrepentant about his attack on Ms Meloni.

“What should I be apologising for? For doing my duty to criticise power, as all intellectuals should do?“ he said.

Mr Saviano faces two more defamation cases pitting him against Mr Salvini, now Deputy Prime Minister, and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano. REUTERS