Masked Protesters Assault RAI TV Crew During Violent Turin Clashes

Two journalists working for the Italian public broadcaster RAI were physically attacked by masked demonstrators while covering clashes between protesters and police during a large rally in Turin on 31 January 2026, prompting a call from the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) for a thorough investigation and accountability. The incident occurred amid violent confrontations linked to the eviction of the Askatasuna community centre, a long-standing autonomous social space, as parts of the protest escalated into violent clashes with law enforcement.

Reporter Elia Nardini and camera operator Gennaro Giordano were reporting on the protests when groups involved in the unrest attacked them, punching and kicking the crew and damaging their equipment, according to CPJ. The violence unfolded as thousands of demonstrators — estimated at around 15,000 participants — gathered and later broke away into smaller, more aggressive factions. Masked individuals threw stones, smoke bombs, fireworks, and Molotov cocktails, intensifying confrontations with police and contributing to a chaotic environment that endangered both security personnel and media workers.

Italian authorities said the protest initially began peacefully but deteriorated after some participants engaged in clashes with law enforcement, which responded with crowd-control measures including water cannons and tear gas. Dozens of police officers were reportedly injured during the unrest, and multiple arrests were made in connection with the violence.

CPJ’s Europe representative, Attila Mong, condemned the attack on the RAI team as part of a “deeply alarming pattern” of hostile incidents aimed at intimidating journalists and eroding press freedom. Mong urged Italian authorities to pursue the case with “the full force of the law” to ensure that journalists can report safely even during volatile events.

The assault on the RAI crew is the latest in a series of incidents involving journalists in Italy, where previous protests have also seen media professionals targeted by demonstrators, including a November 2025 episode in which masked individuals threatened reporters at the La Stampa newspaper headquarters. CPJ expressed concern that such attacks, especially when linked to public demonstrations and political mobilisations, could deter independent reporting and hinder the public’s access to reliable information.

Authorities in Turin have not yet publicly detailed any follow-up actions specifically related to the attack on the journalists. As investigations continue into the wider violence, press freedom organisations are calling for heightened protections for journalists covering protests and civic unrest.