API-API expresses 'deep concern' over dismissal of journalist following question to Commission

The International Press Association (API-IPA) has expressed what it calls "deep concern" at what the "abrupt dismissal" of journalist Gabriele Nunziati following a question he posed during the European Commission’s midday press briefing on 13 October.

Dafydd ab Iago, president of API-IPA, said: “Journalists ask difficult and inconvenient questions. That’s our job. It’s also still happens to be a fundamental pillar of press freedom. Punishing a reporter for doing his job in the daily press conference of the European Commission sends a chilling message to all correspondents in Brussels and in Europe,” says ab Iago.

Nunziati says he was dismissed after addressing a question to Paula Pinho, Chief Spokesperson of the European Commission, and Anouar El Anouni, Spokesperson for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

The question was “You have been repeating several times that Russia should pay for the reconstruction of Ukraine. Do you believe Israel should pay for the reconstruction of Gaza, since they have destroyed almost all the streets and civilian infrastructure?”

API-IPA, in a press release, says that Pinto said, “Gabriele, it’s definitely an interesting question on which I would not have any comment at this stage.”

The API-IPA statement goes on, “The question was later described by the journalist’s employer as technically incorrect and inappropriate.”

“Regardless of its phrasing or perceived accuracy, no journalist should face professional sanctions or dismissal for asking a legitimate even if inconvenient question in a European Commission press conference,” added ab Iago.

API-IPA notes that “the European Commission has reaffirmed its commitment to media freedom and openness toward all questions raised during its briefings.”

API-IPA, in the statement, adds, “This disciplinary measure appears disproportionate, punitive, and potentially unlawful, undermining public confidence in the independence of the press. Constructive dialogue and professional guidance, not dismissal, should be the preferred means of addressing any perceived mistakes or misjudgments by reporters.”

API-IPA has called on the reporter’s employer “to reconsider its decision and to reaffirm its commitment to the principles of journalistic independence, proportionality, and fairness.”

“We stand in solidarity with all journalists who seek to perform their duties freely, responsibly, and without fear of retaliation”.

No one was immediately available for comment from the reporter’s employer.

The "Intercept" news portal quoted a source at the reporter's former news agency, Rome-based Nova, as confirming it had ended its relationship with Nunziati over his Gaza question.

The source was quoted by The Intercept as saying that Nunziati had been let go for asking a question that was “technically incorrect” because "Russia had invaded a sovereign country unprovoked, whereas Israel was responding to an attack."

The difference between Russia’s and Israel’s positions had been “repeatedly explained” to Nunziati, the source told the news outlet, “but he had “completely failed to grasp the substantial and formal difference in the situations”.

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