Russian President Vladimir Putin is meeting with Andrey Nikitin, Governor of Novgorod Oblast, at the Moscow Kremlin on the 22nd (local time). [Image source=Yonhap News]
[Asia Economy Reporter Hwang Sumi] Italian media mentioned an assassination scenario of Russian President Vladimir Putin, who invaded Ukraine. The Russian side strongly protested and filed a legal lawsuit.
Recently, the Italian daily newspaper La Stampa published an article titled "If killing Putin is the only way out to end the war."
Written by Domenico Quirico, a journalist with 30 years of experience in international politics and war, the article assumes a situation where President Putin is assassinated by close aides who wish to end the war, analyzing both the positive and negative impacts this would have on the war and international affairs.
The introduction of the article states, "With military intervention ruled out and diplomatic solutions practically impossible, the only remaining theory to end the war is the Russian 'tsar' being killed by his close aides." The term tsar refers to Putin.
Although the article presents a hypothetical scenario, it sparked considerable controversy for directly mentioning the assassination of President Putin.
The Russian diplomatic authorities strongly protested, calling it "a report inciting crime." Sergey Razov, the Russian ambassador to Italy, disclosed that he submitted a complaint against the media outlet to the Rome Public Prosecutor's Office.
Ambassador Razov said, "This article is not only ethically and morally problematic but also violates journalistic principles," adding, "I have been stationed in Italy for the past eight years working to develop bilateral relations, but unfortunately, everything has now changed."
He further emphasized, "Italian criminal law holds individuals accountable for inciting or advocating crimes," expressing his belief that investigative authorities will objectively investigate according to relevant laws.
On the other hand, some expressed solidarity and support for the media outlet. In particular, Russia's legal response is expected to provoke a stronger backlash, especially within the local political sphere.
Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio criticized Russia's response, stating, "Freedom of the press in Italy is an inviolable area," and Enrico Letta, leader of the center-left Democratic Party, also expressed support for La Stampa.
The article's author, Quirico, responded, "The Russian ambassador seems to need a better translator," adding, "I wrote that assassinating Putin is an immoral act."
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