Public masturbation is no longer considered a crime in Italy, according to the country's highest court. As controversial as the decision may seem, it boils down to a change in the country's criminal code, which makes the act illegal only if the presence of minors upon its commission is established.

The decision stems from the case of a 69-year old man from Catania - identified only as Pietro L., who was caught masturbating in full view of students at the University of Catania, CNN reported. The man was charged with indecency, despite arguing that he did the act under conditions of "reduced visibility."

After trial, the man was found guilty of committing the act in May 2015, sentencing him to three months in prison and a fine amounting to €3,420 (estimated $3,600). The man went on to appeal the case, though the appellate court in Catania eventually upheld his sentence.

The man's lawyer pressed on to question the severity of his penalty before Italy's Supreme Court - La Corte di Cassazione. The court eventually ruled in favor of the man, arguing that a revised criminal law introduced last year has effectively decriminalized public masturbation in front of women.

However, the decision was met with one important exception: changes in the law state that in cases where minors are present, those caught doing the act may face prison time for up to four-and-a-half years. The court thus ruled in favor of the man, reverting the case to the trial court to set proper administrative fines.

The ruling's controversial nature was obviously met with vocal opposition. Opposition MP Elvira Savino condemned the decision, saying, "To save from the prison cells people who commit obscene acts in front of women is really unjustifiable...The government's law is an invitation to every maniac to molest women."

The act is still considered illegal in several parts of the world, with a prison sentence typically awaiting those who will be caught.