Four Suspects Arrested in Italy for Bomb Attack Targeting Journalist

Italian police on Tuesday arrested four individuals suspected of carrying out a bomb attack last October targeting prominent journalist Sigfrido Ranucci. The explosion occurred in Pomezia, about 20 kilometers south of Rome, destroying two cars belonging to Ranucci. The journalist, who hosts the program "Report" on state broadcaster Rai 3, is known for his investigations into corruption and the mafia. He has been living under police protection for several years due to death threats.

The suspects, arrested near Naples, are charged with possession, carrying, and use of explosives in a public place, making threats, and causing damage under aggravating circumstances, as they acted in a group of more than five and used mafia methods. Three suspects have been placed in pre-trial detention, while the fourth is under house arrest.

Police stated that the investigation was particularly complex, involving a thorough review of CCTV footage and phone records, as well as a scientific analysis of the explosive device. Investigators believe the perpetrators acted on orders from as-yet-unidentified third parties. "The main organizers tried to provide support to protect the possible perpetrators, providing them with funding, special phone cards, legal assistance, and planning their possible escape abroad," police disclosed.

The day after the attack, Ranucci told ANSA news agency that he had received an "endless list of threats."