Valter Lavitola has confessed, admitting to being the mastermind behind the attack on journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The breakthrough came during a pre-trial hearing lasting more than five hours, in which the arrested businessman largely confirmed the case built by prosecutors in Rome.
The content of his statements was relayed by his lawyer, Sergio Cola. According to the defence, Lavitola explained that he had organised the operation with the paradoxical aim of protecting Ranucci, whom he believed to be at risk of further attacks. The intention, he claimed, was to prompt an increase in the journalist’s security detail.
It will now be up to investigators to shed light on this version of events. Prosecutors from the District Anti-Mafia Directorate (Direzione distrettuale antimafia) have also charged Lavitola with the aggravating circumstance of using mafia-style methods.
A particularly sensitive question remains unanswered: did Ranucci know about the plan? When asked about this, Lavitola’s lawyer declined to respond, saying only that he had nothing further to add. The lawyer also announced that he would request a softening of the precautionary measure against his client.
Matteo Salvini has also weighed in on the case, calling on Italian state broadcaster Rai to suspend its collaboration with Ranucci in light of the developments in the investigation. Meanwhile, Rai’s Ethics Committee has convened to issue an opinion on the matter and on the future of Ranucci’s role leading the investigative programme Report.
Meanwhile, the search continues for Gomes Tavares, believed by investigators to have acted as the intermediary between Lavitola and the group that allegedly planted the explosive device. The man is reportedly currently in Africa, and prosecutors are said to be preparing to launch extradition proceedings against him.
