Italian PM Meloni Testifies In Deepfake Porn Video Trial

ROME, Oct 9 (Bernama-dpa) -- Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni testified on Wednesday in the trial of two men who created and distributed deepfake pornographic videos of her, reported German news agency (dpa). 

Meloni made a statement via a video call to the court in Sassari, on the island of Sardinia, insisting that those responsible for the manipulated videos be punished. 

"This is a form of violence against women," she said, according to the Italian news agency ANSA. 

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Two Italians – father and son – are accused of having used software to create and distribute the fake videos, in which Meloni's face was superimposed onto the bodies of porn actresses. 

According to investigators, the videos were available on a US website for months, and were viewed millions of times. 

The leader of the far-right Brothers of Italy party is seeking damages of €100,000 (US$109,700). If she is successful, Meloni plans to donate the money to a fund supporting women who have been victims of male violence. 

Meloni said she wants the lawsuit to send a message to other women and victims of such abuse that they should not be afraid to press charges.

"The effect these videos had on me is unbearable. It is unbearable for anyone, especially for someone like me who fights violence against women every day," Meloni said. 

The investigations against the two men began in Sassari in 2020.

After Meloni's testimony, the judge postponed the proceedings until February 2025. More witnesses for the prosecution are to be heard.

Meloni has led a three-party coalition government in Rome since October 2022. The videos were created when she was still in the opposition. 

-- BERNAMA-dpa