Journalists attacked and intimidated while reporting on the ground

Location: Italy, Florence
Date: June 3, 2024

Women Press Freedom condemns the assault on Costanza Castiglioni and crew from the program 'Fuori dal Coro' of network Retequattro in Florence. The journalists were on assignment reporting on illegally occupied public housing when they were attacked. During their investigation, the crew faced threats and were pursued by a family who eventually destroyed the side mirror of their vehicle. Fortunately, no crew members were injured. We demand a police investigation into the incident; the press must be able to report without fear of violence.

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On June 3, 2024, journalist Costanza Castiglioni and her camera operators were threatened and physically attacked by a father, mother, and son while reporting in Florence.

The assault occurred in the early afternoon in the Piagge area, located in the northwest of the city, while the journalists were working on a story on the illegal occupation of public housing.

The father and son wielded gardening shears to intimidate the journalists while the mother hit Castiglioni. Despite being struck, Castiglioni did not sustain any injuries. The son further escalated the situation by kicking the TV crew's car and smashing its side mirror.

During the altercation, two emergency calls were made. The first call, made by the family, reported the presence of unknown people in the building. The second call, placed by the TV crew, reported the assault. Police officers swiftly arrived at the scene and identified the perpetrators, who now face accusations of aggravated threat, physical assault, and criminal damage.

The family involved in the attack has reportedly lived in the council house for almost 20 years, paying rent regularly, which they claimed in their defense. 

Local journalist associations and political figures have condemned the attack, highlighting the dangers faced by journalists conducting investigative work. Women Press Freedom joins them in denouncing the assault on Costanza Castiglioni and her crew for trying to do their jobs. We call for stronger measures to safeguard journalists, allowing them to perform their role without fear of violence or intimidation. A thorough police investigation into this assault must be conducted so those responsible are held accountable. 

Women Press Freedom is an initiative by The Coalition For Women In Journalism

The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.

If you have been harassed or abused in any way, and please report the incident by using the following form.