This article is from the source 'rtcom' and was first published or seen on . The next check for changes will be
You can find the current article at its original source at https://www.rt.com/pop-culture/612989-placebo-molko-italy-meloni-fascist/
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Rock star faces trial after calling Italian PM ‘fascist’ | Rock star faces trial after calling Italian PM ‘fascist’ |
(about 4 hours later) | |
Placebo’s Brian Molko has been charged with defamation in a lawsuit taken by the Italian state over claims he made about Georgia Meloni | |
The lead singer of rock band Placebo, Brian Molko, has been charged with defamation by the Italian state after calling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a “fascist,” media outlets reported on Tuesday. | The lead singer of rock band Placebo, Brian Molko, has been charged with defamation by the Italian state after calling Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni a “fascist,” media outlets reported on Tuesday. |
Meloni, who leads the national-conservative Brothers of Italy Party, sued Molko over comments he made in 2023. The 52-year-old British-American rock star branded the politician a “fascist, racist” and “piece of s**t” while performing at the Sonic Park music festival near the Italian city of Turin. | |
He was charged with “contempt of institutions” shortly after prosecutors launched a probe into the claims in August 2023. | |
On Monday, Italy’s Justice Ministry reportedly authorized prosecutors in Turin to move forward with legal proceedings. Molko is facing a fine and a direct summons to trial. Defaming the Italian government, parliament, courts, or army can carry a fine of up to €5,000 ($5,200). | |
According to a spokesperson for Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, as cited by The Guardian, Molko is unlikely to receive a custodial sentence despite the fact that public defamation carries a prison term of up to three years in accordance with Italian law. | According to a spokesperson for Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, as cited by The Guardian, Molko is unlikely to receive a custodial sentence despite the fact that public defamation carries a prison term of up to three years in accordance with Italian law. |
Molko made the insults to a crowd of 5,000 people, a year after Meloni’s party, which traces its heritage back to the Italian Socialist movement founded by allies of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, secured victory in the 2022 elections. Meloni’s anti-immigration stance and anti-LGBTQ views sparked criticism among the Italian opposition and political leaders across the EU. | Molko made the insults to a crowd of 5,000 people, a year after Meloni’s party, which traces its heritage back to the Italian Socialist movement founded by allies of fascist dictator Benito Mussolini, secured victory in the 2022 elections. Meloni’s anti-immigration stance and anti-LGBTQ views sparked criticism among the Italian opposition and political leaders across the EU. |
The case against Molko is not the first litigation launched by Meloni for defamation. Last year, the Italian prime minister won a lawsuit against a journalist who was ordered to pay her €5,000 for mocking her on social media. In 2023, the Italian writer Roberto Saviano was fined €1,000 for calling Meloni a “bastard” while commenting on her views on immigration. | The case against Molko is not the first litigation launched by Meloni for defamation. Last year, the Italian prime minister won a lawsuit against a journalist who was ordered to pay her €5,000 for mocking her on social media. In 2023, the Italian writer Roberto Saviano was fined €1,000 for calling Meloni a “bastard” while commenting on her views on immigration. |
Previous version
1
Next version