Key facts
- Italian police arrested four individuals for a bomb attack targeting investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci.
- The attack occurred in October at Ranucci's home near Pomezia, Italy.
- The suspects face charges including carrying and using an explosive device, criminal damage, and issuing threats.
- Investigators believe the group was hired to carry out the attack, with potential mafia-style methods used.
- The investigation is ongoing to identify the mastermind behind the attack and the motives.
Italian police have arrested four individuals in connection with a bomb attack that targeted investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The attack occurred in October at Ranucci's home near Pomezia, south of Rome.
The four individuals, identified as Pellegrino D'Avino, Marika De Filippi, Saverio Mutone, and Antonio Passariello, are facing charges including carrying and using an explosive device in a public place, criminal damage, and issuing threats. The offences are reportedly aggravated due to the alleged involvement of more than five people and the use of mafia-style methods, suggesting the group was hired to carry out the attack.
According to investigators, Passariello is believed to have procured the car used in the incident, while D'Avino, De Filippi, and Mutone allegedly conducted reconnaissance. Passariello and Mutone are accused of planting and detonating the explosive device. The judge noted that the method used did not indicate an intent to kill.
An anonymous email sent to Rome prosecutor Carlo Villani named Passariello as the perpetrator and claimed the operation was carried out on behalf of the Moccia clan, though the judge found no evidence of Passariello's affiliation with the clan at this stage.
Ranucci expressed his satisfaction with the arrests, stating he had no doubt they would come and highlighting the work of the state in protecting citizens. Journalists' unions, including the National Federation of the Italian Press and Usigrai, have issued statements expressing solidarity with Ranucci and calling for further investigation to identify those who ordered the attack and their motives.