Arson attack targets Italian journalist Adriano Cappellari after mob-related threats

Berlin, June 3, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Italian authorities to swiftly complete their investigation into an arson attack targeting journalist Adriano Cappellari, as well as ongoing threats against him, in a thorough and transparent manner and bring all perpetrators to justice.

Cappellari, a contributor to the regional daily Il Giornale di Vicenza and local fortnightly L’Altopiano, was targeted in an arson attack at his home in Enego, in the northern Italian province of Vicenza on the night of May 30-31. Shortly after the journalist returned home and was alone, a masked individual entered the property and left an incendiary device near the entrance, sparking a fire that damaged the house. Investigators later found Molotov cocktail remnants and unexploded gas canisters at the scene. No injuries were reported. A threatening letter left at the scene demanded that the journalist cease his reporting and included references to Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and anti-mafia priest Don Maurizio Patriciello, who has been under police protection for years.

“This serious arson attack on Adriano Cappellari is a stark reminder of the dangers journalists face when reporting on organized crime and other matters of public interest in Italy,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Authorities must complete their investigation in a swift and thorough manner, hold those responsible to account, ensure Cappellari’s safety, and send a clear message that violence and intimidation against journalists will not be tolerated.”

The attack follows months of threats linked to Cappellari’s reporting on the situation in Caivano, near Naples, southern Italy, a neighborhood plagued by organized crime, and on Patriciello. Cappellari had previously received anonymous letters, including one in February warning that he would be silenced if his reporting continued.

Italian authorities have opened an investigation, while government officials, including the prime minister, as well as professional associations have condemned the attack and pledged support for the journalist

CPJ emailed Italy’s state police in Vicenza for comment on the investigation and potential protective measures for Cappellari but did not receive an immediate response.