Milan, Nov. 5 (LaPresse) – "Firing a journalist for asking a question, however uncomfortable or controversial, is a very serious matter that should alarm anyone who cares about freedom of the press. The case of Gabriele Nunziati, correspondent in Brussels, raises profound questions about the state of journalism and the climate of pressure that weighs on those who simply try to do their job: holding power to account. We take note of the explanations provided by Agenzia Nova, according to which the question was ‘technically wrong’. But the truth is that there is no such thing as a wrong question. In journalism, as in democracy, there are only questions — those that serve to seek answers, even when they provoke debate." This was stated in a note by Sandro Ruotolo, MEP for the Democratic Party and head of information in the PD secretariat, commenting on the news of the dismissal of journalist Gabriele Nunziati, who on October 13 asked European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho this question: “If Russia has to pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine, will Israel have to do the same for Gaza?” M5S deputy Anna Laura Orrico commented: "We read with deep dismay the news that Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati was fired by the Nova Agency after asking a question to the European Commission spokesperson. We strongly demand to know: is it true that the news agency severed ties with a journalist for doing his job and asking an uncomfortable question? If this is indeed the case, it would be simply shameful for a media outlet to have taken such a decision. We express our full solidarity with Nunziati and stand alongside all those who demand truth, transparency, and respect for press freedom." For Angelo Bonelli, AVS deputy and EV co-spokesperson, "the dismissal of Gabriele Nunziati is a serious, unacceptable act that violates the constitutional right to report and criticize. A journalist asked a legitimate question to the European Commission—thus fully exercising his function—and for this he is dismissed: we are facing a disturbing precedent for press freedom in our country. The justifications provided by Agenzia Nova, according to which the question was ‘technically incorrect’, do not clarify anything: on the contrary, they confirm the political nature of the act. Using a substantive argument to justify a dismissal means denying the very mission of journalism: to ask questions, even tough ones, even disturbing ones, because the right to inform and to demand transparency is non-negotiable."
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