Journalist Verbally Assaulted at Pro-Palestinian Rally in Milan
Milan, January 10 – A journalist from the Italian newspaper ‘Il Giornale’ was subjected to verbal abuse and insults during a pro-Palestinian demonstration held yesterday evening in Milan. Giulia Sorrentino, who was covering the march for the liberation of the president of the Association of Palestinians in Italy, Hannoun, was targeted by a group of protesters.
According to ‘Il Giornale’, which published a video of the incident on its website, Sorrentino was met with shouts of “Zionists out of the procession” and “this ugly face doesn’t belong here.” Protesters reportedly yelled these insults directly into her face, accusing her of not being welcome. The newspaper also quoted a demonstrator using a megaphone to shout, “Zionists out of our procession.”
Details of the Incident
The incident took place in the Viale Padova area of Milan during a march organized to demand the release of Hannoun. The video footage shows Sorrentino attempting to engage with the protesters, stating, “Excuse me, you can’t call me ‘ugly face.’ I came here to do my job as a journalist.” In response, she was met with further dismissive remarks such as, “Who wants you, who is looking at you?”
Solidarity from the National Federation of the Italian Press (FNSI)
The National Federation of the Italian Press (FNSI) has expressed its solidarity with Giulia Sorrentino, condemning the attack. “Any act of violence that prevents journalists from doing their job is unacceptable,” stated the FNSI, reiterating the fundamental importance of press freedom and the safety of journalists.
This incident highlights growing concerns regarding the safety of journalists covering public demonstrations, particularly when tensions are high. The FNSI has consistently advocated for a safe working environment for media professionals, emphasizing that verbal assaults and intimidation tactics undermine the democratic process by hindering the public’s right to information.
Broader Context of Threats to Journalists
This event is not an isolated incident. The FNSI’s website records several recent cases of threats and aggressions against journalists:
- January 7, 2026: Rai correspondents assaulted in Crans-Montana.
- December 22, 2025: Death threats against a journalist in Pordenone, strongly condemned by Assostampa Fvg.
- December 19, 2025: Journalist assaulted in Treviso, with solidarity from Sgv and Odg Veneto.
These incidents underscore a concerning trend of increasing hostility towards journalists in Italy and globally. Organizations like Reporters Without Borders reported that 67 journalists were killed worldwide in 2025, and UNESCO noted a significant decline in freedom of expression globally over the past decade.
Impact on Press Freedom
The verbal assault on Giulia Sorrentino serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by journalists in their line of duty. Such acts of intimidation not only affect the individual journalist but also have a chilling effect on press freedom, potentially leading to self-censorship and limiting the public’s access to diverse perspectives and accurate information. The FNSI continues to call for greater protection for journalists and a firm condemnation of any actions that impede their ability to report freely and safely.
Source: https://www.fnsi.it/corteo-per-hannoun-a-milano-insulti-a-cronista-del-giornale
