An Italian court has ordered journalist Julia Cortese to pay 5,000 euros ($5.465) to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for mocking her height on social media.
According to Reuters, the decision came after Cortese posted a tweet in October 2021, while Meloni was still in the opposition, that the court found "offensive."
Cortese’s tweet included a photo of Meloni alongside a portrait of the late fascist leader Benito Mussolini and a comment about Meloni’s height:
"You don't scare me, Giorgia Meloni. After all, you're only 1.2 meters tall. I can't even see you."
The court ruled in favor of Meloni, whose height is variously reported between 1.58 meters and 1.63 meters.
The cours ordered Cortese to pay 5,000 euros in damages. Cortese was also given a 1,200-euro ($1,311) suspended fine, which can be canceled if she does not commit another offense.
Cortese has the option to appeal the sentence.
Meloni’s lawyer announced that any compensation received would be donated to charity.
Broader Context
In recent months, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni's government has faced accusations of using defamation lawsuits to suppress dissent in the media.
Notable instances include a complaint against Domani newspaper for an investigation into Defense Minister Guido Crosetto's business dealings, and a 1,000-euro ($1093) fine imposed on journalist Roberto Saviano for criticizing Meloni's anti-immigrant views.
The Italian court also considered Meloni's lawsuit against 81-year-old historian and leftist supporter Luciano Canfora, who called her a "neo-Nazi at heart" in 2022.
In May, journalists at the Italian public broadcaster RAI went on strike, accusing Meloni of attempting to turn the channel into a "mouthpiece of the government."
