The European Parliament adopted the report by Klaus-Heiner LEHNE (EPP-DE, DE) on the request for consultation on the immunity and privileges of Alessandra MUSSOLINI (ITS, IT). The Parliament considers that parliamentary immunity within the meaning of Articles 9 and 10 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the Privileges and Immunities of the European Communities and, insofar as it is applicable, Article 68 of the Italian Constitution fully covers the statements made by Alessandra Mussolini about Giuseppe Pisanu, for which the latter brought civil proceedings against her before the District Court of Rome with a view to obtaining damages for defamation, and therefore decides to defend her immunity and privileges.

The committee adopted the report by Klaus-Heiner LEHNE (EPP-DE, DE) on the request for consultation on the immunity and privileges of Alessandra MUSSOLINI (ITS, IT).

The committee recommended that Parliament should defend the immunity and privileges of Alessandra Mussolini in relation to the civil proceedings brought against her before the District Court of Rome following statements she made that were reported in the Italian national media.

The report noted that Ms. Mussolini was commenting on facts in the public domain and was carrying out her duty as a member of the European Parliament in expressing her opinion on a matter of public interest to her constituents. Article 9 of the Protocol of 8 April 1965 on the privileges and immunities of the European Communities, which provides that MEPSs have absolute immunity from legal proceedings "in respect of opinions expressed.............in the performance of their duties", was therefore fully applicable. The report added that Article 68 of the Italian Constitution also "fully covers the statements made by Ms Alessandra Mussolini".