Roma 20 June 2006: Jim Cusack the Sunday Independent 'security' correspondent is under investigation for offences involving defamation in Italy and a violation of the Italian Penal Code.
The case was brought by Giovanni Di Stefano who formally requested the Italian State Prosecutor to indict Mr Cusack for an article that appeared on 18th June 2006. Under Italian Law if the matter is proved Cusack faces up to three years in jail with a similar penalty for the Managing Editor of the newspaper and the internet site hosting the Sunday Independent.
Amongst other unfounded allegations Mr Cusack stated that Mr Di Stefano was wanted in the United States which according to a source in the US Embassy in Rome is 'without any foundation'.
Under Italian law and similar to the case of British Lawyer David Mills, the accused Jim Cusack may find himself facing trial in Rome and the issue of a European Extradition Warrant if he fails to attend.
Mr Di Stefano stated last night from Dublin "Its the third time I have been forced into taking this kind of action which saddens me because I am by heart a defence lawyer and not a prosecutor. Its my intention to campaign for more responsible journalism with serial defamation offenders like the Sunday Independent to be placed in a position whereby all articles published are under penalty of perjury. Its the only way to stop irresponsible journalism which is as dangerous as drug dealing or bank robbery."
Giovanni Di Stefano of Studio Legale Internazionale.
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