Italy: Mafia Threatens Journalist Marilena Natale With Death Yet Again
Threats highlight ongoing power struggle and the persistent influence of organized crime in Italy
Location: Italy, Aversa
Date: September 2, 2023
Journalist Marilena Natale has been targeted with death threats by the infamous Casalesi clan, an incident that highlights the enduring power of organized crime in Italy. Natale, who’s been under police protection since 2017, received threats from the same Mafia clan that targeted the reporter previously. The Coalition For Women In Journalism stands firmly united in support of Marilena Natale. We strongly condemn the despicable act of issuing death threats towards journalists and call upon the authorities to take swift action to guarantee the safety of Natale and all journalists reporting on the Italian mafia.
On September 1, 2023, journalist Marilena Natale received a detailed email outlining the Casalesi clan's intention to carry out an armed assault with assault weapons against both Natale and her security personnel.
Natale, known for her extensive coverage of the Italian mafia, has been living under constant protection since 2017 due to previous death threats made by mafia leader Francesco "Sandokan" Schiavone. One of Schiavone's sons, who is believed to have ordered the recent planned attack on Natale, may be released from prison in the upcoming months.
Natale's received email included disturbing images of a handwritten letter, which disclosed the identities of those responsible for orchestrating the attack. The letter explicitly mentioned Natale's investigative work on the illicit activities of the Schiavone family as the motive behind the planned assassination. Particularly alarming is that the leaders of the Casalesi clan were able to issue orders from their prison cells using mobile phones, underscoring the persistent difficulties faced by Italian authorities in dismantling the hierarchical structures of organized crime.
Despite facing multiple investigations and arrests, the Casalesi clan maintains a firm hold over the province of Caserta, Campania. This recent death threat serves as a stark reminder that the mafia's influence and power remain formidable in certain areas of Italy. Consequently, four journalists, including Natale, are presently living under constant protection. A total of 22 journalists receive security measures throughout the country.
Natale has notified the District Anti-Mafia Directorate at the Naples Prosecutor's Office of the threat.
In a show of solidarity, local journalist unions and press freedom organizations have rallied behind Natale, offering their support and urging Italian authorities and the European Parliament to take immediate and decisive measures to safeguard the well-being of journalists.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism strongly condemns the death threats directed towards Natale. With the impending release of one of Schiavone's sons, it is imperative for the Italian government to act swiftly and decisively in neutralizing the threat posed by the Casalesi clan. The safety and well-being of journalists, including Marilena Natale, must be given the highest priority. Furthermore, the battle against organized crime must be intensified to create a safer and more transparent society for all Italians. It is crucial that measures are taken to dismantle these criminal networks and ensure that the rule of law prevails over the influence of organized crime. We urge collective action and collaboration between the international community and the Italian authorities to dismantle these criminal networks and safeguard the fundamental principles of democracy and freedom of the press.
The Coalition For Women In Journalism is a global organization of support for women journalists. The CFWIJ pioneered mentorship for mid-career women journalists across several countries around the world and is the first organization to focus on the status of free press for women journalists. We thoroughly document cases of any form of abuse against women in any part of the globe. Our system of individuals and organizations brings together the experience and mentorship necessary to help female career journalists navigate the industry. Our goal is to help develop a strong mechanism where women journalists can work safely and thrive.
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