Forza Nuova leader demands ban on Paolo Berizzi's investigative book

Roberto Fiore, the leader of the neo-fascist party Forza Nuova, sent a letter demanding that every Italian bookstore cease selling Paolo Berizzi’s investigative volume “Il libro segreto di Forza Nuova” and remove any copies already in stock. The party’s national secretariat warned it would take legal action against any retailer that complies with the request. Fiore argues the book is part of an alleged attack intended to influence the appeal judgment scheduled for next month on the 9 October 2021 assault on a CGIL office, a case that resulted in an eight-year-and-half prison term for him.

Green Europe deputy Angelo Bonelli responded by saying he will table a question to the government, asking what steps will be taken to safeguard freedom of information and expression. Bonelli expressed solidarity with Berizzi, noting the journalist has faced intimidation from far-right groups for documenting neo-fascism. He stressed that press intimidation and pressure on booksellers threaten democratic values.