The Italian government must “abolish or change” the wiretap bill, said the UN. According to the special UN speaker on freedom of expression, “if the bill is passed, freedom of expression in Italy will be in danger”. The speaker also wants a UN mission in 2011, in order to better analyze the Italian situation.

The speaker said he “understands” that the bill was a way to stop the publication of telephone tapping and its many implications on trials and privacy”. But he also underlined that “the present bill isn’t the best answer to such problems and puts in danger freedom of expression”.

The expert also proposed to the Italian government to “build a positive relationship with all the actors involved in this issue, in particular journalists and press organizations”. He also gave his availability to “guarantee that the bill respects the international standards on freedom of expression”.

Translated by Chiara Nunnari from John Milton Institute