Masked protesters attack Italian RAI TV crew during clashes with police

Berlin, February 3, 2026—The Committee to Protect Journalists calls on Italian authorities to thoroughly investigate the attack on two RAI journalists who were assaulted while reporting on a protest, and to ensure that those responsible are held to account. RAI is an Italian public broadcaster.

“The physical attack on the RAI crew in Turin is part of a deeply alarming pattern in Italy of targeted assaults that aim to intimidate journalists into silence and undermine the public’s right to information,” said Attila Mong, CPJ’s Europe representative. “Italian authorities must show with the full force of the law that such attacks will not go unpunished and take all necessary steps to ensure journalists can report safely, even amid protests and unrest.”

On January 31, in Turin, northern Italy, demonstrators, some wearing masks, attacked reporter Elia Nardini and camera operator Gennaro Giordano as they were covering clashes between protesters and police during the eviction of the Askatasuna community center, which had been closed in December. According to reports, the journalists were punched and kicked, and their equipment was damaged.

An estimated 15,000 people took part in the protest, which began peacefully before turning violent when groups of masked individuals broke away and confronted police. Protesters threw stones, smoke bombs, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails, injuring more than 100 members of the security forces and leading to at least three arrests, according to authorities.

In November, protesters in Turin stormed the daily newspaper La Stampa’s headquarters. Masked individuals threatened journalists, vandalized the newsroom, and spray-painted slogans, while others threw manure and graffiti outside. The newsroom was mostly empty due to a national strike.

CPJ emailed questions to the Turin police press office but received no response.