The case: Psychologists Threatened. Insulted. Defamed. It Has Become a Chronic Drip Feed
- Lorita Tinelli Psicologa
- 4 giorni fa
- Tempo di lettura: 3 min
The dramatic story of two psychologists from Noci and Giovinazzo (Italy)
Psychologists threatened, insulted and defamed when they help followers who want to leave "controversial groups", the "cults" that practice mental manipulation. At that point, the professionals become targets of these often well-organized groups, facing threats and intimidation of all kinds. Take Lorita Tinelli, a professional from Noci, who has been on the front lines for 30 years.
She received the following text message: "Four-bit whore, you’ll end up in the hands of four horny Black men eager to satisfy their appetite. Then the gypsies will come visit you while you sleep to remind you who you are".
Or consider Luigi Corvaglia, a psychologist from Giovinazzo, anche past president of CeSAP, who, during an OSCE human rights meeting in Warsaw, was nearly trapped inside an elevator by a group of people verbally assaulting him. Countless reports have been filed with the judiciary.
Lorita Tinelli—a clinical psychologist, criminologist, and author of dozens of books and studies on mental manipulation—founded the Center for the Study of Psychological Abuse (Cesap) in 1999. She collaborates with several Italian universities. "I am constantly threatened and insulted because I assist and protect victims of controversial groups, and sometimes I speak out through interviews or studies about these groups. Over the years, a veritable assault group has formed, responsible for defaming and threatening me". A life under tension. "I am no longer at ease when I leave my home; I constantly look around me. They try to delegitimize me and destroy my credibility." From more or less anonymous blogs come the epithets: criminal, functionally illiterate—*"
According to them, I lack the qualifications to speak about controversial groups. They publish books about me with strongly defamatory content. A few months ago, someone was taking photos toward my apartment. I fear for my safety."
Corvaglia describes an international apocalyptic cult based in Eastern Europe that claims "the world is about to explode, and the only way to be saved is by becoming their followers. They claim to have all the technology to save planet Earth. They spread superficial climate disinformation." Among the many threats, one is particularly unsettling: "I hope you realize you are under strict surveillance. Do you think someone will just let you get away with it?" On October 13, 2025, during an OSCE human rights meeting in Warsaw, "I was ambushed as I left the plenary hall. I was surrounded by a group of cult members. They followed me to the elevator. When the doors opened and I stepped inside, the entire group followed me in. I found myself cornered with hostile people filming me."
Attorney Paolo Florio, a member of Cesap’s national board, provides legal assistance to both professionals. "For a long time, Corvaglia and Tinelli have been victims of very serious threats. The latest ones appear to be linked to international organized crime. It is necessary to determine individual responsibilities. In any case, we call on the State to take action".
Meanwhile, MP Stefania Ascari has called for the establishment of a parliamentary commission of inquiry into the phenomenon and has submitted a parliamentary question.
The Professional Order of Psychologists of Apulia, with President Giuseppe Vinci, has also intervened: "We have launched a solidarity initiative for Dr. Corvaglia and Dr. Tinelli for what they are enduring—a critical situation. We will evaluate concrete initiatives together." --- Let me know if you'd like any adjustments or further details!
By Valentino Sgaramella
