By Charles Igwe
Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, and the International Association of Journalists Accredited to the Vatican (AIGAV) have condemned recent assaults on journalists in Italy, describing them as a serious threat to press freedom.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, AIGAV denounced the attack on Venezuelan journalist Edgar Beltrán, who was reportedly assaulted while interviewing Vatican officials in Rome. The incident occurred during Beltrán’s interview with Archbishop Édgar Robinson Peña Parra at the Pontifical Lateran University and was allegedly instigated by Venezuelan businessman Ricardo Cisneros, a member of the country’s government delegation.
The association described the act as “an assault on a journalist who was simply carrying out his professional duty,” emphasizing that such incidents undermine the right to free and independent reporting. AIGAV called on authorities and the public to uphold and protect the freedom of the press as a cornerstone of democracy and human rights.
Cardinal Parolin, speaking at an event on religious freedom in Rome on October 21, also expressed concern over the growing climate of intimidation facing journalists. He referenced the recent car bombing outside the home of Italian investigative journalist Sigfrido Ranucci on October 16, describing it as evidence of an increasing intolerance toward free expression.
“It is a source of great concern that acts of intimidation against the press may occur,” Parolin said. “We must ensure that everyone is able to express their views freely without fear of threats or violence.”
While the Vatican has not officially commented on the assault involving Beltrán, Vatican-accredited correspondents noted that such an incident is unprecedented within the typically open environment of Vatican journalism.
