The Guardian’s view on press freedom in Italy: at a low ebb under Giorgia Meloni | Editorial

THe called Annie Di Piombo (Years of lead) remains a dark memory for Italians of a certain age. The near normalization of political terrorism and the mafia in the 1970s and 1980s blighted civilian life, and this brutal past still haunts the present. Forty-five years after the incident, he has just retired as a police officer Arrested In connection with the 1980 mafia murder of Percenti Mattarella, the then president of Sicily.

Unsurprisingly, in light of this history, the explosion of the car belonging to one of Italy’s best-known investigative journalists would spark an urgent and troubling discussion. Siegfredo Ranucci, who hosts a prime-time program on RAI, Italy’s state broadcaster, is known for presenting hard-hitting investigations into political corruption and organized crime. Earlier this month, a powerful bomb nearly destroyed his black Mercedes, which was parked outside his home near Rome. The timing of the attack appears to coincide with the eighth anniversary of the assassination of the Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia.

The possibility is that this was a mafia operation. The winter series of Mr Ranucci’s Report – which began this week – will include investigations into the ‘Ndrangheta organized crime group in Calabria, which has repeatedly threatened him in the past. He has received enhanced police protection since 2021.

As Ranucci is quick to point out, press freedom in Italy is not only threatened by gangsters. Malicious suits are also on It rises. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni immediately Express Her solidarity in the wake of the bombing. However, its far-right coalition government has been justly criticized for bullying and harassing journalists it wants to silence.

Ranucci, and Ray’s journalism more broadly, were among its most prominent journalists Objectives. Following the broadcast of an investigation into the background of 78-year-old Senate President Ignazio La Rossa – a former member of Italy’s neo-fascist social movement – ​​members of the ruling coalition reportedly called on Rai Party executives to suppress his programme. Mr. Ranucci was later It took over Before a parliamentary committee, where he was questioned about the report’s methodology and financing. Prominent figures from Ms. Meloni’s Brotherhood of Italy party have filed lawsuits against other investigative journalists. One caseCartoonist.

Last year, such developments prompted the European Commission to express concerns about the independence of public media in Italy. Rome has also failed to reform its strict libel laws in line with EU legislation designed to prevent malicious lawsuits. An angry Ranucci expressed his anger this month He asks Rhetorically: “Which is worse: an under-car bomb that didn’t kill anyone in the end, or politicians who systematically try to silence all journalists?”

This question is unlikely to cut much ice with Italy’s prime minister, who has already done so It was rejected Allegations of intimidation and censorship as “fake news” are being promoted by her left-wing opponents. Following the attack on Mr. Ranucci’s car, Ms. Meloni stated that “freedom and independence of information are non-negotiable values ​​in our democracies.” But as Italy slides into global status Global rankings For freedom of the press, and as the professional climate for journalists seeking to investigate powerful interests continues to deteriorate, these values ​​are increasingly under threat on her watch.

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