Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned doctored pornographic images of female politicians including herself and other women shared online, calling for firm punishment as Italy confronts widespread digital misogyny.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has condemned the circulation of doctored pornographic images of herself, opposition leader Elly Schlein, and other women on a now-defunct website called Phica.
“I am disgusted by what has happened,” Meloni told Corriere della Sera, adding that offenders must be punished “with the utmost firmness.”
The platform, which had more than 700,000 subscribers before closing Thursday, altered photos from rallies and social media to sexualise women.
Meloni expressed solidarity, saying: “I want to extend my solidarity and support to all the women who have been offended, insulted and violated.”
Schlein denounced the trend as part of a “rape culture” normalized online. Police confirmed receiving “many” reports of similar sites.
Equality Minister Eugenia Roccella vowed reforms against what she called “third-millennium barbarity,” as women’s rights groups announced plans for legal action.