National Safety Mechanisms - Italy
National Safety Context
According to the Observatory of Killed Journalists no deaths have been recorded in Italy since 1993.
There is 1 national safety mechanism being implemented in Italy to prevent and protect journalists from crimes committed against them. More information on this initiative is summarised below including relevant links.
Coordination Centre on Acts of Intimidation against Journalists
The Coordination Centre on Acts of Intimidation against Journalists (Centro di coordinamento sul fenomeno degli atti intimidatori nei confronti dei giornalisti) was established in 2017.
What activities are carried out?
The Coordination Centre ensures the monitoring, analysis and exchange of information on acts of intimidation against journalists and identifies prevention strategies.
The Coordination Centre promotes dialogue between representatives of agencies and journalist union stakeholders, and continuously monitors acts of threat and intimidation. Through an internal Permanent Supporting Body the Centre reports on trends and developments within the national context every 3 months and puts forward proposals on strategies for prevention and protection based on analysis.
The Coordination Centre also assists journalists facing risks to their bodily integrity through a quick response system and activating timely police protection services.
How is it implemented?
The Coordination Centre created a dedicated pathway for both reporting activities and protection measures, and every journalist using the mechanism has access to support from stakeholder journalist unions.
Threats, acts of intimidation, and crimes reported to police authorities in different regions are collected in a national database. This data is monitored and reports are published regularly and discussed at quarterly meetings convened and chaired by the Ministry of the Interior.
Who are the stakeholders?
Members of the Coordination Centre are representatives from government agencies and unions, including, the Chief of Cabinet of the Ministry of the Interior, the Chief of the Police, the President and General Secretary of the Italian National Press Federation (Federazione Nazionale Stampa Italiana), and the President and General Secretary of the Chamber of Journalists (Ordine dei Giornalisti).
Since 2018, a Permanent Supporting Body was created within the Coordination Centre. In addition to the Italian National Press Federation and the Chamber of Journalists, the Body brings together representatives from the Dipartimento della Pubblica Sicurezza, the Arma dei Carabinieri and the Guardia di Finanza. The Centre is financed by national funds and functions in coordination with the Ministry of Interior.
For more specific information on the national safety mechanism in Italy and those in other countries please follow the links.
