Brian Molko
The lead singer of British rock band Placebo has been charged with defamation after an alleged rant against Italy’s Prime Minister.
Brian Molko is said to have called Giorgia Meloni a “fascist” and a “Nazi” at a show in Turin in 2023.
Italy’s Justice Ministry has agreed with prosecutors to charge the Scottish-American rocker.
Mr Molko, 52, also allegedly called Ms Meloni a “piece of s—” before 5,000 fans at the Sonic Park festival in Stupinigi.
Turin prosecutors responded to a complaint from police at the festival.
An investigation was opened into Mr Molko for defamation and contempt.
Defamation in Italy can incur a prison term of up to three years.
However, a sentence is unlikely to be imposed, according to a spokesman for Carlo Nordio, the justice minister.
He said that the lead singer would likely face a fine of up to €5,000 (£4,200) if the charges were upheld.
Mr Molko joins a list of public people who have allegedly offended the first minister.
In turn, Ms Meloni and her Government have been accused of challenging the limits of free speech.
During Ms Meloni’s first year in office, Italy recorded the highest number of lawsuits against public participation, according to a report by the European Parliament’s civil liberties committee.
