'This is the end of journalism!' - Court hears case of Italian reporter fired over Gaza question at EU briefing

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'This is the end of journalism!' - Court hears case of Italian reporter fired over Gaza question at EU briefing

"Journalist Gabriele Nunziati appeared in a Rome court on Tuesday as hearings began regarding his controversial dismissal, which followed a question he asked about the reconstruction of Gaza during a European Commission briefing. Footage captured outside the Ordinary Court of Rome shows supporters gathered with banners and placards ahead of the proceedings. "The situation is very worrying, but this concern goes far beyond my case," Nunziati said. "The Reporters Without Borders report shows Italy lagging significantly in press freedom rankings. We sit at 56th—the lowest in Western Europe." President of the National Council of Order of Journalists, Carlo Bartoli, warned over the broader implications of Nunziati's termination: "Asking questions is a journalist's fundamental tool. Being fired for asking a single question completely contradicts the spirit and history of democratic journalism. This decision is absurd, wrong, and must be overturned." The dispute stems from an October 13, 2025, press briefing in Brussels during which Nunziati asked European Commission Chief Spokesperson Paula Pinho whether Israel should contribute to the reconstruction of Gaza, drawing a parallel to Russia's financial responsibilities in Ukraine. Following the briefing, Nunziati was dismissed by his employer, Italian news agency Agenzia Nova. The outlet has since publicly defended its decision in statements to domestic media. Press freedom advocacy groups warn the case creates a dangerous "chilling effect" on reporting sensitive geopolitical issues. Nunziati echoed these concerns, noting that fear is already altering newsroom dynamics. "Many journalists hesitate to speak openly due to fear of backlash," Nunziati explained. "Colleagues have told me they now choose self-censorship because they view the current environment as too risky." "Questions journalists ask have nothing to do with editorial policies. Restricting those questions is censorship," he added. Supporters also spoke out over the pressure European journalists face in the workplace. “Journalists are thinking always 'I hope they renew my contract and extend my work, so I will not ask uncomfortable questions'. This is the end of journalism!" she explained. The European Federation of Journalists (EFJ), the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF) have all previously warned against retaliatory disciplinary actions over Gaza-related reporting in Europe. The European Commission has denied any involvement in Nunziati's dismissal, while the Italian authorities have declined to comment on the matter."

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