Italy and dangers to investigative journalists
Just recently there was an explosion destroying two cars belonging to Mr. Sigfrido Ranucci, an investigative journalist in Italy, reminding us of how dangerous it continues to be as an investigative journalist in Italy, as reported by The New York Times. Mr. Ranucci a noted journalist, has been sued by the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni’s party in the past is respected for his hard hitting journalism. It was noted that “[a]ccording to Reporters Without Borders, a group that monitors threats against journalists, about 20 Italian journalists who have investigated corruption and organized crime have a 24-hour police protection. The Italian journalist’s guild says another 250 are given police escorts when they travel and work outside of their offices.” Mr. Ranucci has been under police protection since 2009.
Why is this important and why should we care? Investigative journalism in many environments can be very dangerous, and it continues to be so in Italy, where work against corruption has always been dangerous. It is amazing that journalists continue in such an environment, and we should be thankful for such brave people. This also reminds us that worldwide corruption reporting can come up against elements in government and very bad actors, who will not stop at anything to prevent accountability. What also has been a very good example of good governance, has been the Prime Minister’s reaction to this event, even though her government has sued Mr. Ranucci for his work, condemned the attack and said it was aimed at intimidating Mr. Ranucci and her Minister of Interior noted that it was an attack on both freedom of the press and democracy. It is always great to see support to anti-corrupt investigative journalists in very clear terms.
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