Confession before the investigating judge raises new questions
The defendant claims to have helped the "Report" host obtain stronger personal security, but the prosecution considers this a pretext
Rome – In the case of the bomb attack on investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, one of the defendants has confessed. Valter Lavitola admitted on Wednesday to having ordered the attack, which took place in October 2025. The interrogation by the investigating judge took place at the Rebibbia prison in Rome and lasted more than five hours. The 60-year-old was arrested on August 10.
Lavitola cited the protection of the host as his motive. He said he had wanted to ensure that Ranucci received a stronger security detail because Ranucci had actually been in danger. He denied any political motive. His defense attorney, Sergio Cola, confirmed this account after the hearing. The defense explicitly left open whether Ranucci knew about the plan.
The explosive device detonated in front of the journalist’s home in Campo Ascolano, near Pomezia, south of Rome. Two vehicles were destroyed, but no one was injured. Investigators are classifying the incident as an act of intimidation carried out using mafia-style methods. Even the Arrest of the Alleged Mastermind had sparked considerable political debate in Rome.
The prosecution, led by Chief Prosecutor Francesco Lo Voi, considers the claim of immunity to be implausible and views it more as a diversionary tactic. Mobile phones and chat histories are being analyzed. The messages suggest that Lavitola wanted to push the journalist into politics and even held out the prospect of a path to the top of the government. At the same time, investigators are seeking the extradition of a suspected intermediary who is alleged to have established contact with the perpetrators.
Ranucci himself considers the account implausible. His attorney, Roberto De Vita, dismissed the reasoning as preposterous. He pointed out that the journalist has been under permanent protection since 2021 and that the authorities have been aware of the threat he faces for years. An attack was not necessary for that.
Politically, the confession is further fueling the controversy surrounding Rai. Calls have emerged from within the government to temporarily relieve Ranucci of his hosting duties. Names of potential successors for the magazine program „Report“ are already circulating among the network’s leadership. Many consider Milena Gabanelli, who headed the program until 2016, to be the preferred choice. Federico Ruffo, Maria Cuffaro, and Alessio Zucchini have also been mentioned. No decision has been made yet. Ranucci has been hosting the program since 2017.
