Italy: Inmate Sends Maria Bertone Menacing Letter, Threatening To “Blow Her Up”
Location: Italy, Rome
Date: March 29, 2022
A prisoner sent the editor in chief of Cronache di Caserta and Cronache di Napoli, Maria Bertone, a menacing letter threatening to blow her up. The letter, which was sent from prison and delivered to her workplace on March 22, threatened her with death. It was written by a 50-year-old member of the local mafia from Aversa, Bidognetti of the Caterino di Cesa faction, and the prosecution has asked for his indictment based on this threatening letter. The Coalition For Women In Journalism is deeply concerned for Maria’s safety and calls on the authorities to take immediate action against the threats to her life.
The letter was extremely descriptive in nature. "I sincerely hope that I'll be out as soon as possible, so I'll blow you up. Now I tell everyone, that if someone comes out before me he has to shoot 10 shots all in the mouth, at you and all your kind," it stated. While the mafia member who made the threat is still in jail, the letter can serve as encouragement for other criminals who are currently not behind bars. The police have responded by providing urgent security to Maria.
The incident received widespread condemnation, with Maria getting support from fellow members of the press. The Unified Union of Journalists of Campania (Sugc), in a note, expressed concern, recalling that the province of Caserta "is confirmed as one of the most dangerous territories for journalists in Italy", deeming it necessary that the State "take strong notice in this territory, as well as in the North of Naples".
“Go forward with the courage that you have never lacked and with the usual determination that has always characterized your informed action in this difficult province of Caserta”, said Giovanni Zannini, president of the VII Commission for the Environment, Energy and Civil Protection of the Campania Regional Council.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism condemns the incident. While we welcome the security measures taken to ensure Maria's safety, it is essential that the perpetrator is held to account and the incident is kept in view during legal proceedings against him. These threats are also a result of the general sense of impunity that criminal elements feel they enjoy in the region, making it important that the state takes necessary steps to amp up systemic measures to protect press freedom.
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.
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