The pornographic website published changed pictures of high -ranking Italian women, including Prime Minister Giorgio Meloni and opposition leader Elly Schlein, who launched extensive outrage in Italy. The page, PHICA, which reportedly has more than 700,000 subscribers, has published pictures taken from personal social media accounts or public resources, added vulgar subtitles and sexualized modifications, Guardian reports.
The pictures were politicians in bikinis, gatherings, television interviews or public events, approaching body parts or designing sexual positions, the news socket said. According to the report, the page placed these photos in the “VIP section” for users and further supported public anger.
Politicians speak against online abuse
Meloni, whose sister Arianna was also focused, did not respond to reporters, Corriere della Sera said, The Guardian said. However, several opposition politicians stood firmly.
Other important women focused on the place, according to the report, include actress and director Paolo Cortelles, known for her Italian cash register affected by domestic violence, C’è Ancora Domanani (still tomorrow), as well as influencer Chiara Ferragni.
Valeria Campagna of the Democratic Party (PD) was among the first to file an official complaint. She published on Facebook: “I was disgusted, angry and disappointed. Not only photos in swimsuits, but moments from my public and private life. Under them were sexist, vulgar and violent comments, I can’t be silent because this story is not just about me.
Alessia Morani, another political PD, called comments on her photographs “unacceptable and obscene” and added to Instagram: “They insult my dignity as a woman. Unfortunately, I am not alone. We have to report these groups of men who operate in gangs and walk without complaints.
Lia Quartapelle also shared her experience: “Like many other women, I have been victims of online abuse through unauthorized broadcasting on a porn forum. I decided to fight back by lodging a complaint.
They also focused on right -wing politicians
The right -wing politicians have not been spared. Reportedly, Alessandra Mussolini, the granddaughter of the fascist dictator Benita Mussolini and a member of League and Daniel Santanchè, Italian Tourism Minister, were also focused.
The petition online is gaining strength
Mary Galati of Palermo, which launched the petition Change.org, which asked Phaic to be closed, emphasized previous complaints about the web. Despite her efforts in 2023, this problem remained under the radar until politicians have spoken publicly. The petition collected more than 150,000 signatures.
The Guardian states that the petition refers to a university study in 2019 of the University of Milan and finds that 20% of Italian women have experienced some form of non-consensual sharing of intimate photos.
The legislation and the political reaction
In July, the Italian Senate approved a bill that represents the legal definition of femicides and increases punishment for persecution, sexual violence and revenge porn.
The scandal, widely described in the Italian press as “Italy #metoo”, lit a national debate on online sexism and women’s protection in digital spaces.
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