Overview
- Vicenza prosecutors opened a formal investigation this Wednesday and ordered personal, home and digital searches that led to charges of arson, calumny and simulazione di reato against Cappellari.
- Surveillance footage from May 30 shows a masked figure placing an incendiary device, gas canisters and a threatening letter with photos marked with an “X” outside the journalist's home.
- Investigators say technical checks and cooperation with an online marketplace traced purchases of gas canisters and alcohol to accounts and a payment method linked to Cappellari, and they say the suspect’s height matches the footage.
- After the May incident political leaders publicly offered solidarity and authorities provided Cappellari a police escort, which changed his daily routine and raised public concern for journalists’ safety.
- The probe shifts the story from threats against a reporter to an inquiry focused on evidence and motive, and further forensic, digital and testimonial work will determine whether prosecutors can prove the attack was staged.