Ranucci will not return to present "Report": the Labour Court’s decision

The Rome Labour Court has rejected the application submitted by journalist Sigfrido Ranucci for reinstatement as presenter of the programme Report. The decision by Judge Donatella Casari, who heard the case, comes following the ‘urgent’ appeal lodged by the former presenter against Rai’s decision to remove him from the helm of the next series. 

His lawyers have issued a statement: “We take note of the decision of the Court of Rome, which we respect but do not agree with,” write Franco Focareta, Franco Scarpelli, Stefano Rossi and Roberto De Vita. “The interim ruling does not bring to a close a case that raises fundamental questions about the relationship between organisational power, professional autonomy and freedom of information in the public service. We will assess the ruling and consider further steps to be taken through the appropriate channels. The decisions of the courts are to be respected. Battles of principle, when deemed just, must be continued.” 

A few days ago, Ranucci was suspended from Rai (for ten days) due to disciplinary issues: around fifty visits by Laura Cianfoni, a former CISL trade unionist, to the company’s headquarters; the content of his conversation with M5S MP Carotenuto; company emails forwarded to Lavitola; and the denigration of colleagues.