TRIESTE – Messages of solidarity have poured in for reporter Giovanni Taormina who found three bullets on the seat of his locked car parked outside his home in Fruili on Thursday, an act of intimidation against the RAI journalist, who has often covered organised crime in northeast Italy.

 This is not the first time Taormina, who told police the bullets are “of the same caliber as last time," has been subjected to death threats.

 On April 11, he found two bullets inside in an envelope with his name on it, attached to a wall outside RAI headquarters in Udine.

 Inside the envelope was also a photo of the journalist with his face circled and covered with a cross. 

 Investigators had speculated that the threat could be linked to the topics Taormina often deals with, in particular organized crime.

 A blow observers say represents an attack on the freedom of the press and the truth in general, an attempt to silence a voice that has pushed ‘buttons,’ and aroused the ire of those who would have preferred to keep certain topics silent and covert.

 The entire editorial staff of the regional news programme TGR RAI Friuli Venezia Giulia, have rallied behind their colleague.

 “Whoever thought of intimidating him must know that we will all remain by his side – no one will be intimidated," TGR Lombardia Director Alessandro Casarin said. "I spoke with Taormina, he will continue to do his job as a reporter on the frontline covering the issues that he has always followed with particular care and precision," stressing the importance now more than ever, of ensuring he has all the necessary tools to enable him to continue working peacefully.

 Messages of solidarity also came from the world of politics; regional councilors of the 5 Star Movement, Ilaria Dal Zovo, Andrea Ussai, Cristian Sergo and Mauro Capozzella said –  "We renew solidarity with Giovanni Taormina … as we have already stated in April, episodes of this kind confirm that the presence of organized crime in our region is not marginal and should not be underestimated.” 

 Brothers of Italy also expressed their support – "Even in a quiet region like ours, these episodes make it clear that we must never let our guard down but that we must prepare all the tools for preventing and fighting these unacceptable forms of crime."

 Taormina told the TGR – "In the last few days, before going on holiday, I've been covering rubbish and I was trying to understand if some sources were reliable or not. Now here we are with the rubbish."

 cc