Naples – The story of Professor Stefano Addeo, the teacher at the Medi high school in Cicciano who ended up in a storm for a post on Facebook in which he wished death to the daughter of the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, is enriched with a new legal chapter.
His lawyers, Francesco Di Giovanni and Chiara Missori, have strongly contested the precautionary suspension from service decided by the Campania School Board, calling it "formally illegitimate."
According to the lawyers, the order was issued "without the prior consent of the employee and without prior notification to the employee," violating established procedures. The lawyers emphasize that the measure, which also entails a 50% reduction in gross monthly pay, was adopted without any criminal proceedings or formal disciplinary proceedings being filed against the teacher.
"The minimum five-day deadline for the employee to submit their justifications to the employer was not guaranteed," Di Giovanni and Missori explain, adding that "it is well-established in case law that precautionary suspension cannot in any way lead to a reduction or termination of wages."
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Meanwhile, Professor Addeo has sent a new message to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, published online on the website of the newspaper Il Roma. In an exclusive video message, Addeo reiterated that he assumes "full moral and disciplinary responsibility" for what he wrote and renewed his call for a meeting.
"Mr. President, I made a mistake. I ask your forgiveness. I don't want to justify myself, but rather explain my feelings. I'm not seeking indulgence, but I feel the human need to be heard. I'd like to tell you this by looking you in the eye," the professor stated. Addeo attempted to explain his feelings, saying he was shocked by the news of the deaths of children in Gaza, but clarified that "that pain in no way justifies the written words."
The case, which has sparked a strong public debate, is now also moving to the legal level, with the professor's defenders ready to do battle on the procedural front.
Comments (1)
The case of Professor Addeo is very complicated and makes us reflect on how freedom of expression can be limited in certain situations. However, I believe it is also important to listen to everyone's reasons and feelings, including those of the professor.