Russian extradition demand. Italy’s political parties have voiced unanimous concern over Russia’s demand to extradite and arrest two journalists from Italian state broadcaster RAI, who entered the Russian Kursk region alongside Ukrainian forces in August.
- A court in Kursk has requested the extradition of reporters Simone Traini and Stefania Battistini for allegedly crossing the border illegally.
- The court ordered their detention either in Russia or upon extradition. However, given the strained relations between Rome and Moscow, this outcome is seen as unlikely.
Tajani defends press freedom. Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani condemned Russia’s move, calling it “another form of persecution against press freedom.”
- He reaffirmed on social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter, that the Italian government “will always defend the right to independent information.”
- RAI has referred to Russia’s extradition request as “proof” of the “crucial and invaluable” role of democracy and free press. The public broadcaster expressed its appreciation, solidarity, respect, and eagerness to offer any necessary assistance to guarantee the safety of the two journalists.
- Usigrai, the RAI journalists’ union, branded the extradition demand an “unacceptable provocation” and urged Italy’s foreign ministry to summon the Russian ambassador for urgent talks to safeguard press freedom.
Russia responds to criticism. On 13 September, Russian Ambassador to Italy Alexey Paramonov was summoned after Russia placed the two journalists on an international wanted list.
- Ambassador Paramonov rejected accusations that Moscow’s legal actions infringed on press freedom, and criticised RAI for withdrawing permission for its reporters to cover events in Russian-controlled areas of Ukraine in March 2022.
- He said the Italian broadcaster had barred its journalists from performing “their professional duties” for reasons unknown to Moscow.
- On Tuesday, Battistini defended her reporting, stating: “We did what every war correspondent does. We follow the troops, whether they are invading or liberating territories. This is provided for under the Geneva Conventions.”
Italy’s united front. Italian politicians have closed ranks in support of the two journalists, with expressions of solidarity from all major political parties.
- Nonetheless, Moscow’s actions are widely seen as an attempt to pressure Italy’s government.
- This is particularly clear given that the extradition request comes from a nation that has been violating international law since its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.
