Italy: Roberto Saviano’s conviction a major blow to free expression
The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) joins international media freedom, free expression, and journalist organisations in expressing shock over criminal conviction of the Italian writer and journalist. The undersigned international media freedom, free expression, and journalist organisations express shock over yesterday’s criminal conviction of writer and journalist Roberto Saviano, in a case brought by current Italian PM Giorgia Meloni, and we convey our full solidarity with him. On 12 October 2023, the Criminal Court of Rome convicted Saviano of criminal defamation. The case was initiated by Meloni in November 2021, prior to her assuming the current role of Prime Minister.…