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Journalist Ordered to Pay Damages for Mocking Italian PM’s Height

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An Italian journalist, Giulia Cortese, has been ordered to pay Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni €5,000 (£4,210) in damages for social media posts mocking Meloni’s height. A judge ruled that two tweets by Cortese, who also received a suspended fine of €1,200, were defamatory and constituted “body shaming.”

The incident began in October 2021 when Meloni’s far-right Brothers of Italy party was in opposition. Cortese posted a doctored image on X (formerly Twitter) showing Meloni with a framed photo of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini in the background. Meloni condemned the image as extremely serious and announced legal action. Cortese deleted the image, admitting it was fake but accused Meloni of creating a “media pillory” against her. She called Meloni a “little woman” and later tweeted, “You don’t scare me, Giorgia Meloni. After all, you’re only 1.2m [3ft 9in] tall. I can’t even see you.” Meloni’s actual height is reported as 1.63m (5ft 3in) in Italian media.

Cortese was cleared of any wrongdoing for posting the doctored image but was convicted for the subsequent tweets. She has the option to appeal but hasn’t decided yet. Meloni’s lawyer stated that any awarded money would be donated to charity.

Cortese reacted to the verdict on X, criticizing the Italian government for its stance on freedom of expression and journalistic dissent. She compared the situation to Hungary under Viktor Orbán, expressing concern for independent journalists and opinion leaders in Italy. Cortese added that while she is proud to be Italian, the country deserves better than its current government.

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Italy PM Giorgia Meloni splits from partner after off-air lewd TV remarks

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Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni recently confirmed her separation from her long-time partner, Andrea Giambruno, following the broadcast of off-air comments made by Giambruno on a TV show. The announcement was made on social media, where Meloni acknowledged the divergence of their paths and expressed gratitude for their time together and for their daughter, Ginevra.

Giambruno, a TV host, faced backlash after his off-air remarks were aired on a satirical program. The comments included flirtatious remarks to a female colleague and explicit references to group sex, causing controversy. Notably, Giambruno previously stirred controversy with remarks about a gang-rape case, implying that certain precautions could have prevented the incident. Meloni defended him then, claiming his words were misinterpreted, and requested not to be held responsible for his comments as he was simply doing his job as a journalist.

Meloni, known for her adherence to traditional Catholic family values and her opposition to same-sex parenting, received support from her allies following the announcement of her separation. Matteo Salvini, her deputy, and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani both offered their support publicly. The network Mediaset, where Giambruno works, was formerly owned by the late Silvio Berlusconi, who was criticized for perpetuating a culture of sexism and machismo in Italian television.

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Man Taken Into Custody for Inappropriate Contact with Spanish Reporter During Live Broadcast

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Spanish authorities have apprehended a man on suspicion of sexually assaulting a journalist during a live television broadcast. Isa Balado was reporting on a robbery in Madrid when the man allegedly touched her, which he denied when confronted. The incident was acknowledged by the program’s host, Nacho Abad, who labeled the man an “idiot” and had him appear on camera with Ms. Balado. She expressed her frustration at his inappropriate actions and continued her live report. The man later denied the accusation and even attempted to tickle her head as he walked away.

Police subsequently confirmed the arrest of a man for allegedly assaulting a reporter during a live television show. Mediaset España, the news channel’s owner, expressed support for Ms. Balado and condemned the “absolutely intolerable situation” she endured, firmly denouncing any form of harassment or aggression.

Spain’s Labor Minister, Yolanda Díaz, also condemned the incident, emphasizing that it should not go unpunished and attributing such behavior to machismo, with aggressors showing no remorse in front of the camera.

This incident occurred amidst a broader controversy in Spain following former Spanish FA president Luis Rubiales’ controversial kiss with World Cup winner Jenni Hermoso during the Women’s World Cup final, leading to widespread criticism, his subsequent resignation, and legal action over allegations of sexual assault and coercion.

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Arman Soldin: Journalist killed in Ukraine given top French honour

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Arman Soldin, a video journalist for Agence France-Presse (AFP) who was killed in Ukraine, has been posthumously awarded the highest honor of France, the Legion of Honour.

Soldin, 32, died in a rocket attack near Bakhmut in May. French President Emmanuel Macron commended his bravery and sent a letter praising his dedication to journalism. Soldin is one of the many journalists who have lost their lives in Ukraine since Russia’s invasion.

The honor was bestowed through a presidential decree, alongside 357 other individuals from various sectors of French society. Soldin’s death is being investigated as a potential war crime by France’s anti-terrorism prosecutor’s office. He was born in Bosnia but held French nationality and had been living in Ukraine since September 2021.

The Legion of Honour is a prestigious award established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802 to recognize outstanding civilian or military achievements.

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WikiLeaks founder struggling with mental issue: Psychiatrist

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A psychiatrist, who has visited WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange – who is languishing in a prison located in the United Kingdom, has raised alarm about the deteriorating mental condition of the journalist – who is wanted in the United States for a serious crime.

A petition seeking the extradition of the journalist is pending in a court based in the United Kingdom.

The finding of the psychiatrist has the potential to influence the outcome of the UK court’s verdict on the extradition petition filed by the US.

As per a statement released by the psychiatrist, Mr. Assange’s mental condition is too worse that he hears imaginary voices.

Mr. Assange was an extremely popular journalist. He was known for his uncompromising attitude.

He was very vocal against the US. He was the one who unearthed several unpleasant stories regarding the US forces’ activities in the war-embattled regions in the Middle East.

Many see Mr. Assange as a victim of the anti-democratic attitude of the United States of America.

The journalist community has already expressed their support to the embattled journalist.

Many renowned personalities have come forward to extend their support to the journalist – who was pushed behind iron bars for showing justice to his job.

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Hungary: Journalists quit top news website over government’s interference

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As many as seventy journalist working for one of the top news websites in Hungary has filed their resignation, as they have found it hard to cope with the excessive interference of the government in the internal matters of the organisation.

Index is known for its independent working style. The said quality keeps it special from the rest.

Szabolcs Dull, the Editor in Chief of the organisation, was fired on Tuesday. It was the triggering point of the present crisis.

Those who have filed their resignation alleges that the sacking was a clear interference and an attempt to apply pressure on the website.

Shortly after the team of journalists have announced their decision, many have come out openly in support of the team, expressing their disagreement towards the excessive interference of the government in the matters concerning the freedom of press.

Since the induction of a nationalist government in Hungary, the country performs badly in the index of press freedom.

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Maltese Journalist Murder Case: Pardoned middleman suffers serious knife wounds

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Melvin Theuma, the key accused in the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana, who was pardoned in exchange of his evidence by the President, has suffered serious knife injuries.

As per a report, Mr. Theuma, who was the one who played a key role in the crime as a middleman, has injured himself

An investigation is on. As per the preliminary report, the chance for any other possibility is less, as no break in has been reported and Mr. Theuma, who has been found with a knife in his hand, has confessed of having been hurt himself.

Notably, Mr. Theuma was supposed to appear in the court Today. His evidence is very crucial for the future of the case.

Caruana Galizia was a fearless journalist. She was an aggressive anti-corruption activist. She had many rivals – mainly politicians. She died in a car bomb blast in the year 2017. Her death brought the political class of the country in an unpleasant juncture. It crushed the support the then political bureaucracy had. It raised several questions – particularly about the safety of journalists.

Malta is a small country. It is at present going through a tough time. Its political class is powerful and unforgiving. It does not like questions – especially from journalists.

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Russia attacks press freedom in the cover of Covid-19 restrictions

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The European country of Russia has severely stifled the voice of journalists misusing the restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the Covid-19 outbreak.

Recently, a group of independent journalist, who organised a single-person protest (a kind of protest which does not require the permission of the government) to express their disagreement against the arrest of their colleague, has been booked and charged with some severe charges by the government.

Anyway, several International human rights forums including Council of Europe Rights Commissioner has demanded the immediate release of the journalists.

Russia now faces a serious allegation that the country misuses the present crisis to crackdown on those who, they feel, are against the dominance of Vladimir Putin.

The issue is expected to trigger a discussion across the world. It is learned that many European countries are angry with Russia over this matter.


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