Italy. Intimidation of journalists by formal complaints for violations of ethical standards

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There has been an increase in the number of these complaints, which regional associations of journalists generally dismiss as unfounded

By Giuseppe Federico Mennella – OSSIGENO, March 12^th 2026 – A new tool (neither brand new nor unprecedented) appears to be emerging among the most commonly used tools to intimidate journalists who encroach upon the affairs of others—specifically powerful individuals – or who express unwelcome ideas, analyses, opinions, or judgments.

The new intimidating tool is the formal complaint filed with the Disciplinary Council of the competent Regional Association of Journalists against the author of articles or social media posts, accusing them falsely of violating ethical standards. These complaints are certainly nothing new, but there is now evidence of an increase in the number of such complaints. However, in most cases, the Councils, after thorough investigations conducted in accordance with the law, dismiss them, deeming the accusations unfounded.

The increase in the use of these complaints for intimidation purposes began in connection with news of the conflict between the State of Israel and Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank, following the tragic events of October 7th and the rising political temperature coinciding with the referendum in Italy on constitutional change regarding magistrates. Israel and the United States’ attacks on Iran will likely further polarise personal positions and, consequently, increase the number of complaints filed for behaviour deemed contrary to professional ethics.

It seems obvious, however, that the line followed by the Disciplinary Councils will remain firm and this will lead to the justified dismissal of most complaints. But the fact remains that this intimidating tool now joins the other, far more disturbing and damaging, similar ones that have long been deployed to intimidate and attempt to stifle the hand and mind of journalists who write unwelcome articles. The list is extensive: defamation lawsuits, civil suits for damages for defamation, formal complaints to the judiciary to identify the sources of newspapers and investigative journalists, proceedings for conspiracy to reveal official secrets and receiving stolen material. Not to mention that many others believe it is better to accelerate the process by threatening, using violence, issuing warnings, and beating up “awkward” journalists to prevent them from learning the truth about matters of public interest.

The future doesn’t look any better. Since the beginning of this legislature (as has happened in previous legislatures), the Italian Senate Judiciary Committee has been considering a bill on libel that hasn’t budged for almost a year and a half. The text of the proposed bill is by Senator Balboni, a member of the Brothers of Italy party. It proposes measures that – if approved – would worsen the already abject condition of Italian journalism and journalists.

There is something new and highly dangerous in that bill, one that smacks of revenge against press freedom. It introduces a ban from the profession for anyone found guilty of libel (“the additional penalty of a ban from the profession of journalism for a period of one to six months”); and the introduction of referral to the Order of Journalists for further disciplinary action for alleged unprofessional behaviour (“Upon conviction, the judge orders the transfer of the documents to the competent professional body for determinations regarding disciplinary sanctions”).

A unanimous and powerful voice should be raised against these proposals which the current parliamentary majority could pass into law. Journalists are a divided, downtrodden profession, certainly unloved by the public, but they perform an indispensable service in a democracy worthy of the name. GFM wt