Italian journalist Adriano Cappellari’s home in Enego, northeastern Italy, was targeted in an arson attack on 31 May. The journalist had previously received threatening letters due to his reporting. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) and the European Federation of Journalists (EFJ) join their affiliate, the Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana (FNSI), in expressing solidarity with Cappellari and calling for a prompt investigation into this attack.
Journalist Adriano Cappellari contributes to the local newspaper L’Altopiano and the regional newspaper Il Giornale di Vicenza, both of which are based in the Province of Vicenza, in northeastern Italy. In February 2026, he received anonymous letters to intimidate him in relation to his reporting on Don Maurizio Patriciello. Mr Patriciello is a priest in Caivano who is known for taking a stance against organised crime in the Campania region, in southwestern Italy. The letters, which were also addressed to his L’Altopiano colleagues, demanded that Cappellari cease reporting on the case.
Three months later, on 31 May, his home was targeted with Molotov cocktails while he was alone inside. The firefighters extinguished the fire and the journalist did not suffer any injuries. As of 3 June, the perpetrators of this arson attack remain unknown. Vicenza’s public prosecutor has launched an investigation.
FNSI General Secretary Alessandra Costante said:
It is necessary to clarify matters quickly and investigate thoroughly, because the gravity of what happened is evident. […] The FNSI stands in complete solidarity. If legal proceedings are brought, the FNSI will join the civil action alongside our colleagues from the Veneto Journalists’ Union.
EFJ Director Renate Schroeder added:
This is yet another troubling attack on a journalist in Italy, following explicit threats targeting Adriano Cappellari’s reporting and his media outlets. We stand firmly with Cappellari and condemn in the strongest terms any attempt to silence public interest journalism.
IFJ General Secretary Anthony Bellanger said:
This attack is an unacceptable attempt to silence journalists. The public’s right to information cannot be restricted by such pressure. The authorities must take all necessary steps to conduct a thorough investigation, shed light on the motives behind the attack, and ensure that those responsible are brought to justice. We stand in solidarity with Adriano Cappellari.
Source: EFJ
