What is the concept of defamation?
To offend the reputation of an absent person constitutes the
crime of defamation, which is further aggravated if the offense
attributes a specific fact to the victim or is committed through
the press or other means of publicity (such as the Internet or
social media).
The truth of the statement does not exclude defamation.
This is different from the right to criticism and the right to
report, which, if expressed in a non-offensive manner and in
response to a social interest, do not constitute a crime.
Anyone who sees their reputation unjustly harmed has the right
to claim compensation for damages.
Is defamation a crime in Italy?
The Supreme Court of Cassation, in judgment no. 44662/2021,
addressed the distinction between insult (now decriminalized) and
defamation, establishing the legal principle that an offense made
during a remote meeting, with multiple people connected
simultaneously, and in the presence of the
