Rome - A demonstration for press freedom drew thousands to the Piazza Santi Apostoli in Rome on Tuesday evening. Organized by the Five Star Movement (M5s) under the slogan „Viva la stampa libera“, the rally was a show of solidarity for the journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, who was recently the target of an attack.
Ranucci himself took to the stage and expressed concern about the background. „What scares me the most is that I don't understand the motives for all this,“ said Ranucci. The attack is a clear signal that the perpetrators know his movements and could strike at any time. He dedicated the solidarity to his team, who had „never spared themselves“. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni had also called him to express her solidarity.
Surprising participation of the Fratelli d'Italia
The participation of a high-ranking delegation from the Fratelli d'Italia (FdI), consisting of parliamentary group leaders Lucio Malan and Galeazzo Bignami as well as MP Giovanni Donzelli, caused a political stir. Malan called the attack „shameful and serious“, which is why there was no reason not to take part. Bignami emphasized that freedom of the press in Italy was not in danger, but that it should not be taken for granted either. PD leader Elly Schlein and delegations from +Europa and Avs were also present.
Conte calls for action instead of gestures
M5s leader Giuseppe Conte, who opened the event, called for „responsible politics“. He called for a law against strategic lawsuits of intimidation (SLAPPs) and a reform of the public broadcaster Rai, which should no longer be „under the government's foot“.
Conte acknowledged the presence of the FdI representatives with a sharp demand: politicians must follow up with „concrete action“. He called on the FdI to withdraw the Meloni sisters' lawsuits against Ranucci and to release the parliamentary supervisory commission for Rai, which has been blocked for a year.
