Defamation penalty in Italy needs to be considered for its effect on free expression, OSCE media representative says

VIENNA, 26 May 2016 – The Italian Senate should consider pending legislation that would increase the maximum penalty to 9 years in jail for criminally defaming elected officials and judges in light of its effect on free expression, OSCE Representative on Freedom of the Media Dunja Mijatović said today. The current maximum penalty is 6 years. “This initiative is detrimental …