The number of wars among sovereign states and the number of killed in war has luckily decreased since the Second World War. Nevertheless, the number of civil wars has increased. Those are unconventional wars, mostly terrible for disarmed people. Along with them, also the number of journalists killed has increased as the CPJ, Committee to Protect
That’s absolutely not accidental. In the XXI century, when international institutions are highly regulated by a well informed and connected public opinion, it is much more difficult rather than in the past that a government get involved in something so unpopular as a regular war. Instead, small hotbeds burst. They are kind of gangs that are much more complex to monitor and keep under control. Reporters like Andy Rocchelli sometimes pay for that. And they are our witnesses on the field and for such reason they represent our only hope to change the direction of history.
The court trial that is happening in Pavia for the killing of Andy is precisely related to this. We told that many times already and we do not give up repeating it. Because the painful loss
of a friend and a fellow citizen has also given a unique and historical opportunity. This court trail, made possible by the valuable work done by the ROS and the Pavia public prosecutor’s office, can represent an example and a warning on an international level. No matter how much wicked and dirty the next war would be, journalists must remain untouched: they are there on our behalf.
There are only 4 hearings left and the next few Fridays will be crucial: prosecution’s charge, indictments from both the civil parts and the defence, till the verdict on July, 12th. For such reason, it is important that the citizenry participates, showing up in the court, on our side. It is important that our affinity to the institutions is felt. It is important that is made clear that Andy’s death is something that regards our community, our common right and our future.
We do not give up repeating this: this is not a private matter.
We wait for you at the Pavia Court, the next hearing will take place on the 14th June.