An Italian court today cleared writer Erri De Luca of inciting criminal damage by saying a controversial rail link through the Alps should be sabotaged.
Judge Immacolata Iadeluca's not-guilty verdict sparked wild celebrations in the Turin courtroom where De Luca had been tried.
His case had been seen as both a cause celebre for anti-globalisation campaigners who defend direct action tactics as morally justified when the environment is under threat, and a test of the legal limits of artistic freedom.
The writer had been accused of encouraging vandalism in 2013 interview comments in which he described sabotage of the rail link as "legitimate" and "just", with the prosecution arguing that his international fame made it likely that his stance would encourage militants to act.
Announcing the verdict, Iadeluca said the crime of incitement had not been committed. She did not explain the basis for her verdict.
De Luca had said he would accept whatever verdict was reached and not appeal because of the important principles involved in the case, a stance that could have resulted in him being sent to jail.
"An injustice has been avoided," he said in his first reaction to the verdict.
Opponents of the rail link say it will destroy a pristine Alpine valley and potentially release asbestos into the environment as a result of tunnelling.
