“Alongside freedom of opinion is the freedom of information, which includes criticism, illustration of facts, and reality. In a democracy, there is also the right to be informed correctly. Information serves as an antidote against the distortions of reality. Operating against the distortions of reality is a responsibility and a duty primarily entrusted to journalists,” stated the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella, at the presentation of the “Ventaglio” award by the Parliamentary Press Association.
“Every act against free information, every attempt to reduce it to fake news, is subversive and aimed against the Republic,” emphasized Mattarella. “The Gonella law that established the Order of Journalists – highlighted Mattarella – provides an excellent representation of it: ‘It is an inalienable right of journalists to freedom of information and criticism, limited by compliance with the legal rules designed to protect the personal integrity of others, and it is their inescapable obligation to respect the substantial truth of the facts, always observing the duties imposed by loyalty and good faith’.”
“It must always be remembered that journalists exercise a constitutional function that is connected to Article 21 of our fundamental Charter, with a decisive democratic role. In recent times, there have been increasing challenges, intimidations, and even aggressions against journalists documenting events. But that is exactly what information is, as seen in Turin in recent days: documenting what happens without any obligation to compromise,” added the President.
“The Federation Russia has unexpectedly given NATO a resurgence of role and prominence. Who can forget the words of more than one NATO head of state or government who, just three years ago, deemed it obsolete, to use a truly understated term compared to the expressions used?” said President Sergio Mattarella at the Ventaglio award ceremony by the Parliamentary Press Association.
“Italy is firmly committed to supporting Ukraine, along with almost all European countries and NATO members,” he continued.
“There is another disturbing aspect: the spread of a subculture inspired by hatred. Violence that, as you mentioned, often transforms from verbal to physical,” stated President Sergio Mattarella at the Ventaglio ceremony. He cited the attempted assassination of Trump, as well as other attacks on various political figures. “It is fundamental and imperative to reiterate a strong condemnation of this dramatic trend of violence against opposing political figures turned into enemies.”
“Cultural efforts are needed to counter the attempt to elevate hatred as a legitimate ingredient, a legitimate element in life: a push towards incivility. There is also a growing anti-Semitism, increased religious and racial intolerance, exceeding the threshold. This hatred is often fueled on the web and must be not only condemned but actively combated with rigor and severity. There are many sorcerer’s apprentices around the world who imprudently handle tools that generate hatred and violence,” he added.
“It is greatly saddening to see the world channel immense financial resources into armaments that would be more appropriately directed towards social purposes,” affirmed the President. “But who holds the responsibility? Who defends their own freedom – and who assists in defending it – versus those who attack the freedom of others?” he asked, recalling the lead-up to World War II as a cautionary tale.
“The shared values between our two peoples strengthen relations between states and allow for constant growth. President Biden deserves the gratitude of the international community for his esteemed service and leadership,” he said regarding the US elections.
“If you seek a contemporary insight, I will not deny you. It concerns the long-awaited appointment of the fifteenth judge to the Constitutional Court. This is a violation of the Constitution committed by Parliament, the very institution considered central to our democracy. I do not know how you wish to label it: a warning, an exhortation, a suggestion, an invitation. Well, consider it an invitation, with grace but with determination, to promptly elect this judge,” he urged.
“Newspapers, the press, radio, and television have been joined today by digital platforms as the main disseminators of informative content. It is remarkable that such a significant role is met with a belief in lesser resulting obligations, leading to an unacceptable tendency of the parties involved to evade responsibility,” Mattarella pointed out.
“There is an increasingly urgent need to address the situation in prisons. The dozens of suicides in just over six months this year alone speak volumes. I share with you a letter I received from inmates at a prison in Brescia: the description is heartbreaking. Conditions appalling to anyone with sensitivity and conscience. Unbecoming for a civilized country, as Italy is and should be. Prisons should not be places of despair, nor should they be transformed into criminal breeding grounds,” he concluded.
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