Rai has “cautiously” suspended the summer reruns of the investigative program Report following an attack on journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. According to a company note, the Direction of Deepening made the decision to protect a “valuable editorial asset” while waiting for full clarity on the “delicate and complex” situation. The network confirmed the program will return for its new season in autumn.
Political Pressure and Journalistic Backlash
The suspension follows a social media video where Ranucci announced the summer reruns and the upcoming season. Shortly after, the Fratelli d’Italia (FdI) party emailed the Report editorial team, flagging the “curious friendship” between Ranucci and Valter Lavitola, whom the party described as a “convicted criminal, freemason, and fixer.”
Valter Lavitola called the Rai decision “sconcerting” and said he was “preoccupied,” claiming the broadcaster used “absurd, shameful conjectures” pushed by political figures as a pretext. He specifically targeted board members Alessandro di Majo, Davide di Pietro, and Roberto Natale, suggesting the move is a “punishment” to satisfy political demands.
Professional bodies have condemned the move. Fnsi secretary Vittorio di Trapani labeled the suspension a “very serious act,” while Usigrai called it an “attack on the work of the entire editorial staff.” Carlo Bartoli, president of the Order of Journalists, described the choice as “incomprehensible and wrong.” Meanwhile, the M5s expressed suspicion that FdI is attempting to “get rid of Ranucci from the program.”
Lavitola Denies Involvement in October Attack
Valter Lavitola told Tg1 that he and Ranucci would have been “two fools” to orchestrate the attack on themselves. He denied attacking Ranucci as an “act of friendship” in October, noting the absurdity of doing so before conducting a political poll on him in June.
Lavitola explained that he encountered a poll in democratic socialist circles listing potential European left-wing leaders, which included Ranucci. He claimed he invited the journalist to lunch to discuss it, though Ranucci initially dismissed the idea. Lavitola says he eventually challenged the journalist, who then “corrected four questions” for the poll.
Investigation into the October 16 Dynamite Attack
Investigators are currently focused on the motive behind the October 16 dynamite attack. Carabinieri searched the home of Gomes Clesio Tavares, a 49-year-old Cameroonian national and Lavitola’s factotum. Authorities believe Tavares acted as the intermediary with the Avellino-based gang that carried out the attack.
While Tavares is believed to have been in Cameroon for months, his partner was questioned at a police station. Lavitola denied helping Tavares flee, stating his passport proves he is often in Cameroon. However, investigators found that Lavitola himself had purchased a plane ticket to Africa; a home search on July 4 was triggered after investigators spotted him leaving his house with a trolley.
Next Steps for Investigators
Police may find critical evidence through the analysis of electronic devices found in Lavitola’s possession. Investigators are also reviewing seven typed pages written by the suspect.
While these documents are not the political poll questions Lavitola prepared with the help of two journalists, authorities could potentially expand the probe to include interviews with those journalists to further clarify the nature of the relationship between the suspect and the reporter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Rai suspend the reruns of Report?
Rai stated the suspension is “cautious” and intended to protect its “editorial asset” while waiting for clarity regarding the investigation into the attack on Sigfrido Ranucci.
Who is Gomes Clesio Tavares?
Tavares is a 49-year-old Cameroonian national and factotum for Valter Lavitola, suspected of being the link between Lavitola and the Avellino gang that executed the dynamite attack.
What was the “curious friendship” mentioned by Fratelli d’Italia?
The party referred to the relationship between Ranucci and Lavitola, noting that Lavitola is an investigated “fixer” and “freemason” who allegedly discussed a political candidacy for Ranucci.
Do you believe public broadcasters should suspend content during ongoing criminal investigations involving their staff?
