The famous anti-mafia author of the book Gomorrah says he has nothing to apologize for
Italian anti-mafia author and human rights campaigner Roberto Saviano is due to stand trial in Rome after calling the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a “bastard.” According to a report in VOA from Tuesday, November 15, the author could face up to a three-year prison sentence or a fine of € 500.
The 43-year-old author said that he will defend his statement in court, “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,” Saviano said, before the first hearing, the report adds.
Saviano was sued by PM Meloni after a TV interview that appeared on Italian television. The author who appeared in the interview filmed in December 2020, made critical remarks about Meloni and her fellow right-wing leader Matteo Salvini. While referring to the attack on migrant rescue NGOs, Saviano had said, “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.”, according to the report.
This statement made by the author was after watching the footage of a migrant baby from Guinea, who died at sea, before being rescued. Saviano, then faced legal action from the brothers of PM Meloni, who were then in the opposition.
He now faces two defamation cases against him filed by Salvini, now deputy prime minister, and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano.
Meanwhile, the author who has been living under police protection since the release of his book Gomorrah, based on the Naples mafia, says he does not regret anything. “What should I be apologizing for? For doing my duty to criticize Power, as all intellectuals should do?” Saviano said.
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