Da Vinci Code Under Investigation

More than a year after the film edition of "Da Vinci Code” came out, Italian clergy is filing complaints.

Although it was released in cinemas more than a year ago, Italian State Attorney`s Office has started an inquest based on film “obscenities” from a religious point of view, Hollywood Reporter reports. Earlier this year, a group of clergymen from the are of Italian village of Civitavecchia have file a complaint over the controversial film, thus making the State Attorney`s Office start an investigation. The complaint says that the film violates Article 528 of the Italian Penal Code.

The complaint names ten people, including director Ron Howard and author of the book Dan Brown. The opening of the investigation means that the case will find its way in court of the seaside village about 60 kilometres north of Rome, although it would be possible for the judge to dismiss the matter. But, the will of State Attorney`s Office to start the investigation is still significant, which actually claims that it is uncertain what the clergy exactly wants to accomplish with this complaint.

According to Article 528 of the Penal Code, if the defendants are found guilty, they will have a criminal record in Italy, and each of them will serve a sentence of at least three months in prison, plus a fee of at least 103 euro. Legal experts say that the sentence could be stated up to three years in prison, while the fee has not upper limit. Defendants cannot be extradited, but can be apprehended if they are already on Italian soil.

Development of events began exactly when Howard has started with the pre-production of “Angels and Demons” – the long awaited sequel to “Da Vinci Code”, whose author is also Dan Brown.

When asked the question why is the clergy reacting now, 13 months after “Da Vinci Code” had a Cannes debut, Civitavecchia State Attroney`s Office official replied he was not sure.

-I do not know. Perhaps the clergymen have just seen the film- he said in an interview for the Hollywood Reporter.

The novel and its film version have caused criticism of many religious groups, but it seems that this is the first legal action against this work.