Berlin, February 13, 2025—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Italian authorities to swiftly complete their investigation into the gunshots fired at four Italian television journalists on February 5 while reporting on the alleged mistreatment of two children by their family.
An unknown individual shot at public broadcaster RAI1’s reporter Vito Francesco Paglia and camera operators Stefano Currò and Riccardo Nava, and private channel Canale 5 reporter Vincenzo Rubano after they rang the doorbell of a relative of the children in the southern Italian town of Paola, received no answer, and were walking back to their car. No one was injured.
Police swiftly arrived at the scene, secured the area, and took statements from the reporters. They searched the man’s house, where they found an air rifle. An investigation is underway to determine who fired the gun, but no charges have been filed yet.
“We welcome Italian authorities’ quick response to the attack on journalists Vito Francesco Paglia, Stefano Currò, Riccardo Nava, and Vincenzo Rubano. They now must ensure that all responsible are held to account and send a clear message that violence against the press will not be tolerated,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Attacking or intimidating journalists while on assignment is totally unacceptable. Italian authorities must take concrete steps to protect journalists reporting on sensitive issues.”
CPJ’s email requesting comment from the Ministry of Interior, which oversees the police, did not receive a response.