Originally posted by Udie
You can't in Europe?
In Italy you can criticize as you want, but you cant call names.
Plus, if you move accusations about crimes, you have to back up or you will be sued for Diffamation(?) ("Diffamazione").
The burden of the proof is on the accuser, not the defender.
The concept behind this is that your prime minister, or president, or major, etc. is in charge and representing your state, so you indirectly are offending your state.
If i affirm in public "Berlusconi is an idiot, and a thief" I can be accused of personal offence, btw, this law is not really enforced, if you look at some talk-show, and/or satira.
But is still there, if needed (is valid for common citizens too).
Anyway, at the end it's just a question of education, personal attacks are for uneducated people.
