Saviano is also facing separate defamation charges brought by Meloni.

So far, neither Salvini nor Meloni have attended any of the court hearings.

Saviano says they are using the judicial procedures as a way to silence him.

Roberto Saviano

Roberto SavianoStefania D’Alessandro/Getty Images

Sergio would not confirm this was the reason for the axing in theIl Messaggerointerview.

Commenting on the cancellation, Saviano told Italian news agency Ansa: Its clearly a political decision.

The Lega and Fratelli dItalia have managed to stop Roberto Saviano airing on Rai…

WGA West building in Hollywood

This Melonian act will result in a poorer Rai.

I stand with Roberto Saviano, she said.