News agency ANSA and other local media reported that a journalist has been sentenced by a Milan court to pay Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni damages of 5,000 euros ($5,465) for making fun of her in a social media post.

Additionally, Giulia Cortese, the journalist, received a suspended punishment of 1,200 euros for what was described as “body shaming” remarks she made regarding Meloni’s height on Twitter in October 2021. The account is now called X.

Cortese posted on X on Thursday, reacting to a Reuters article on the decision, saying, “Italy’s government has a serious problem with freedom of expression and journalistic dissent.”

Three years ago, after a social media altercation between the two ladies, Meloni filed a lawsuit against the journalist.

When Cortese released a Photoshopped image of Meloni with the late fascist leader Benito Mussolini in the backdrop, Meloni—whose far-right Brothers of Italy party was in opposition at the time—took offense.

More tweets in response from Cortese included one that said, “Gorgia Meloni, you don’t scare me.” You are just 1.2 meters (4 feet) tall, after all. Not even I can see you.” Meloni’s height ranges from 1.58 m to 1.63 m according to some media outlets.

Cortese has the option to challenge the sentence, and Meloni’s attorney said that the prime minister will give whatever damages she ultimately wins to charitable organizations.

Cortese wrote in English on X on Thursday, stating that independent journalists in Italy were going through a difficult period.

“Let’s hope for better times in the future. We’re not giving up,” she continued.

Reporters Without Borders reported a significant number of lawsuits filed against journalists this year, dropping Italy five spots to 46th in its 2024 World Press Freedom Index.

Meloni has a history of suing journalists. Best-selling novelist Roberto Saviano was fined 1,000 euros plus legal costs by a Rome court last year for insulting the woman for her tough position on illegal immigration on television in 2021.