In a shocking overnight incident, two family cars belonging to renowned Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci were destroyed by an explosion outside his home, located south of Rome.
Mr. Ranucci himself shared a social media post indicating that an explosive device planted beneath his vehicle caused the blast, which occurred around 10 p.m. local time near Pomezia. The severity of the attack prompted immediate condemnation from Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who stated that it was a clear attempt to intimidate the journalist.
A video, reposted by Ranucci, depicted the aftermath: two mangled cars sitting on a street outside a black metal gate, illuminated by the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle, with uniformed emergency personnel on the scene.
Mr. Ranucci is a prominent figure as the host of “Report,” an investigative series broadcast on Italy’s public channel, Rai 3. His high-profile work has necessitated police protection since 2009, with security measures enhanced in 2021 following the discovery of an assassination plot by the ‘Ndrangheta, a powerful Italian organized crime syndicate. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders highlight the perilous environment for Italian journalists; approximately 20 who expose corruption and organized crime receive round-the-clock police protection, while an additional 250 are provided escorts for their work outside the office, according to the Italian journalist’s guild.
Italy’s Interior Minister, Matteo Piantedosi, swiftly denounced the explosion via a social media statement, calling it a direct assault on both press freedom and the foundational principles of democracy.
Minister Piantedosi also confirmed that orders had been issued to reinforce Mr. Ranucci’s protective measures to the highest possible level.
“Report” has a history of impactful investigations, often scrutinizing corruption, government inefficiency, and the intricate connections between politicians and the mafia. Notably, last year, Prime Minister Meloni’s party, Fratelli d’Italia, filed a defamation lawsuit against Mr. Ranucci and the program concerning a segment that reportedly implicated party members in organized crime activities.
Just days before the attack, Mr. Ranucci had announced the upcoming season of “Report,” set to premiere on October 26. This new season promised to delve into critical subjects such as banking, wind energy, healthcare, and particularly the connections between the ‘Ndrangheta and far-right political factions.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported from the explosion, according to Alessia Marzi, a fellow journalist with “Report.” She confirmed that Mr. Ranucci returned home approximately an hour after the incident.