(Translation by Business & Human Rights Resource Centre, original in Italian)

"SLAPP, Italy at a crossroads: in 2026 it will have to transpose the European Directive against SLAPP lawsuits", 6 November 2025

...According to leading European press freedom organisations, Italy is among the EU countries with the highest incidence of SLAPP per capita. In many cases, the mere threat of a lawsuit — with disproportionate claims for damages — generates self-censorship and discourages citizens from expressing legitimate opinions on environmental or social issues.

In 2026, Italy will be required to transpose the European anti-SLAPP Directive, which was approved by the European Parliament in February 2024 by a large majority. The directive introduces fundamental safeguards: the possibility of early dismissal of unfounded cases, the award of legal costs to those who bring abusive actions, and access to legal and financial protection for victims. The aim is to prevent the courts from becoming instruments of pressure in the hands of companies, lobbies or politicians.

Two Italian cases — both in the city of Pesaro — are emblematic of the problem: that of Roberto Malini and Lisetta Sperindei, activists with the Pesaro: No GNL committee, and that of lawyer Pia Perricci, who is involved in environmental defence and the protection of citizens' rights. Malini and Sperindei were sued by Fox Petroli S.p.A., which sought €2 million in damages for describing a disused industrial area undergoing redevelopment for a liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant as ‘degraded’. The lawsuit was recognised as a SLAPP by the Coalition Against SLAPPs in Europe (CASE) and included in its Gallery of Shame, alongside international cases of legal abuse against journalists and environmentalists. FrontLine Defenders and the Protection Hub also recognised the case as a “David versus Goliath” SLAPP...

The Business & Human Rights Resource Centre invited For Petroli S.p.A to respond to allegations; it's response can be found here.