A News Agency

Defense Minister Crosetto stated that the National Association of Judges claims that when it criticizes a measure taken by the government or parliament, it legitimately exercises the right to freedom of expression, a fundamental element of democratic discourse.

He said the same principle and right should also be granted to citizens, even politicians, who express their personal views on current events, even if it is with the strong and direct tone of a tweet.

“I am fully aware of the distinction between law and philosophy of law. However, I believe it is important to reiterate that interpretative developments cannot deviate from the fundamental principles contained in the legal system and even the Constitution. In this context, I admit I was surprised by the possibility that the application of the constitutional presumption of innocence, as recently happened in Milan, could lead to criminal offenses such as ‘wrong ideology’ against a mayor.”