M5S, Colucci: ‘Grillo’s action is unfounded; we will consider a possible claim for damages’

Rome, 31 March (LaPresse) – “We view this initiative by Beppe Grillo with complete calm; on initial examination, it appears to be entirely without foundation. We had already stated that Grillo’s claim to own the Movement’s identifying features – in particular its name and symbol – is wholly inappropriate and absurd. The community of members had already made it clear to him at the constituent assembly that the values of the M5S belong exclusively to the community. It will now be up to a judge to make it clear to him that the name and symbol of the Five Star Movement belong not to individual figures, past or present, but to the entire community. The democratic life of a political community cannot and must not be subjected to authoritarian logic, which is the negation of the fundamental principles of democratic freedom that must characterise political formations. We will respond firmly in court to Grillo’s claim and will carefully consider whether to file a claim for damages ourselves for an initiative that appears clearly reckless.” Thus M5S MP Alfonso Colucci comments on the news of the legal action through which Beppe Grillo intends to reclaim the M5S symbol.