RAI under fire for ‘pro-fascist’ Mussolini broadcast
PREDAPPIO - Italy’s state-run news outlet RAI has come under fire for broadcasting footage of a neo-fascist commemoration of Benito Mussolini with no contextualisation or condemnation of the leader’s dictatorial rule.
RAI televised over two minutes of footage of a commemorative event to Mussolini in Predappio, in the Emilia-Romagna region, that was attended by circa 300 people.
The broadcast showed far right supporters of the deceased dictator perform the roman salute, shed tears at Mussolini’s crypt, and hark back nostalgically to his rule.
The broadcast also interviewed some present at the event who described Mussolini as “the greatest historical figure” and a “man who made history.”
As reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano, one particular individual present went as far as to say: “democracy is divided in two parts: that anarchistic one that has brought about dissolution, and the organic one that brings order and discipline. We want the latter one back.”
RAI was subsequently slammed for its decision not to condemn, or even provide context for, Mussolini’s rule and the atrocities he committed.
Mussolini was responsible for over 400,000 deaths in World War II, and upheld the Nazi regime that deported Jews and other religious and political minorities to concentration camps across Europe.
Alessandro Casarin, the responsible regional director of RAI News, was quick to distance himself from the event and state that the content of the broadcast “does not align with the editorial line.”
The editorial line, he went on to add, “is based on the principle of well-balanced information that guarantees cross-examination in all its services, from politics to news. It is a balance that must respect the history of Italian democracy.”
However, investigations into the case are set to be opened in due course and it is likely that Casarin and his chain of command will come under intense scrutiny for having allowed the broadcast to air.
RAI's CEO was among the strongest critics of Casarin, expressing his “deep irritation” at the coverage and demanding an explanation from the regional director.
As noted by regional editorial voices, as a public service RAI “is founded in the national service contract, which is strictly anchored to the anti-fascist and anti-racist Italian constitution,” and thus such one-sided broadcasting is in breach of their contractual obligations.
Michele Anzaldi, an MP for the Partito Democratico, echoed this, tweeting: “Excusing fascism is a crime. Those who made the mistake must answer for their actions.”
ea