In a troubling incident that has raised serious concerns about press freedom and police conduct, journalist Gabriele Carchidi, director of the popular blog Iacchitè, was violently stopped, handcuffed, and taken to a police station in Cosenza on March 22, 2025. Carchidi is now facing allegations of resisting a public official.
The events began when Carchidi, reportedly walking near via degli Stadi in Cosenza, was approached by officers from the State Police conducting a routine identity check. According to Carchidi, he was simply going about his day when officers requested to see his documents, a demand he described as puzzling because he believed the request was unwarranted given that they knew who he was.
"I was walking peacefully when a police car approached me and asked for documents. I didn’t understand why," Carchidi explained in a statement. His refusal to comply with the officers' demand quickly escalated the situation. A viral video of the incident shows police officers pulling him to the ground, with one officer pressing a knee into his back.
The police, offering their own justification, stated that the stop was part of a normal check in an area known for drug activity. However, Carchidi claims this action stemmed from resentment among some officers due to his investigative reporting that has exposed alleged misconduct within the police force itself.
Alarming details from Carchidi’s recounting reveal the extent of the aggression he faced: "I felt one of them had his knee close to my back, and in that moment, I thought of George Floyd and others who died during police stops; I was really scared," he shared, emphasizing the fear he felt during the encounter.
Once at the police precinct, Carchidi underwent identification and a search, which revealed nothing criminally relevant. "The outcome of the search was negative," he noted, revealing the futility of the police action. Nevertheless, he was still recorded as a suspect for allegedly resisting the police.
Public response to the incident has been swift and loud, with many voicing their solidarity with Carchidi. Prominent figures and colleagues within the journalism community have rallied behind him, urging for accountability and a clear investigation into the police conduct. The CGIL union in Cosenza announced a gathering on March 27, 2025, advocating for press freedom and calling on citizens to join the protest.
Bruno Palermo, a fellow journalist, described the video of the incident as "a punch in the stomach for democracy," stressing the implications for the freedom of the press in Italy. As the footage circulates online, numerous viewers have expressed outrage over the treatment Carchidi faced, questioning the justifications provided by law enforcement.
Despite the trauma of the encounter, Carchidi remains defiant. He plans to file a complaint against the police for the violence he endured. "I will soon present a complaint against them for the violence suffered," he stated, adding that such actions were indicative of an attempt to intimidate journalists who report on sensitive issues.
The incident sheds light on broader issues facing journalists in Italy, especially those addressing cases of police misconduct or corruption. Carchidi, known for his outspoken articles challenging local authorities, illustrated the precarious position many journalists find themselves in—a constant battle to uncover the truth while facing repercussions for their work.
This event not only highlights the need for thorough investigations into police conduct but also serves as a chilling reminder of the potential risks journalists encounter in their line of work. Onlookers and activists alike continue to urge for clarity and justice in this disturbing case, as the implications of such governmental actions extend beyond Cosenza, echoing concerns about democracy and freedom of expression throughout the country.
As the public awaits further developments, it is evident that the actions taken against Carchidi have sparked significant discussions about the treatment of journalists in Italy and the delicate balance of authority and accountability within law enforcement. The urgency for a transparent investigation into this incident is stronger than ever, with many advocating that such abuses cannot go unchecked in a civil society.
