A new article is effectively introduced: 13-bis of the press law. "Whoever, with repeated and coordinated conduct, intended to cause serious damage to the reputation of others, attributes to someone through the press "facts" which he knows to be even partially false is punished with prison from 1 to 3 years" If it is known that the offended party is innocent, the penalty increases from a third to a half, i.e.
up to 4 and a half years in prison. The leader of the Democratic Party in the Justice Commission, Alfredo Bazoli, raised the alarm about the amendments just presented by the speaker to the defamation bill. "Freedom of the Press is at serious risk, urges the senator" after reading the amendment proposals filed by FDI senator Gianni Berrino. "Prison for journalists is increasing and fines are becoming exaggerated," says Bazoli. The bill is now being examined by the Senate Justice Committee and is expected to be passed in the next few days.