A bomb detonated late Thursday outside the residence of renowned Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci, damaging two vehicles belonging to his family and sparking widespread condemnation across Italy’s media and political circles.
Ranucci, the long-time host of RAI’s investigative programme “Report”, has been under police protection for years due to threats linked to his reporting. He confirmed that both he and his newsroom had repeatedly received intimidation messages, including mailed bullets.
According to Ranucci, the improvised explosive device—estimated to weigh about one kilogram—was planted near the gate of his home in Campo Ascolano, roughly 30 kilometres south of Rome. The explosion occurred at 10:17 p.m., about twenty minutes after he returned home. The blast destroyed his car and another belonging to his daughter.
“Thankfully, no one was hurt,” Ranucci told local media. “Apart from the shock, everything is fine.”
Italy’s anti-Mafia prosecutors have opened an investigation into what they described as a case of criminal damage aggravated by mafia-style tactics.
Recent figures from the Italian Journalists’ Federation (FNSI) reveal a surge in attacks on reporters—81 incidents of intimidation were recorded in the first half of 2025, including 16 physical assaults, compared to 46 cases during the same period last year.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni condemned the explosion as a “grave act of intimidation,” reaffirming her government’s commitment to safeguarding press freedom. “Freedom and independence of information are essential values of our democracy,” she said in a statement.
Interior Minister Matteo Piantedosi announced that Ranucci’s police protection would be reinforced, adding that the journalist would now be provided with an armoured vehicle.
The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) also denounced the attack, describing it as “deeply disturbing,” particularly as it coincided with the anniversary of the 2017 assassination of Maltese investigative reporter Daphne Caruana Galizia.
“We strongly condemn this attempt on a journalist’s life—it is a direct assault on media freedom,” the IFJ said, urging authorities to swiftly identify and prosecute those responsible.
Ranucci’s programme, Report, is Italy’s most prominent investigative broadcast and has frequently drawn criticism from political figures. Several allies of Prime Minister Meloni, including Finance Minister Giancarlo Giorgetti, Industry Minister Adolfo Urso, and her chief of staff Gaetano Caputi, have previously filed lawsuits against the show.
Discover more from LN247
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
