Israel revokes visa of Radio Popolare journalist Martina Stefanoni

The Israeli government has revoked the entry visa of Martina Stefanoni, a journalist for the Milanese station Radio Popolare, who was scheduled to travel to Tel Aviv to cover the upcoming elections on October 27. Although Stefanoni had initially secured both a visa and official accreditation from the Government Press Office, the authorization was rescinded shortly before her departure. The official reason provided was that ‘the circumstances relating to her case have changed,’ though no further explanation was offered to the media outlet.

Radio Popolare director Lorenza Ghidini characterized the move as ‘preventive censorship.’ The Italian National Federation of the Italian Press (Fnsi) also expressed solidarity with Stefanoni, describing the treatment as discriminatory. The Italian Democratic Party (PD) has announced a formal inquiry, requesting that Foreign Minister Tajani seek official clarifications from Israeli authorities regarding the criteria used for granting and revoking journalist visas.

The Order of Journalists has criticized the decision, stating it represents a ‘grave limitation of press freedom’ and suggests an attempt by the Israeli government to select ‘good’ and ‘bad’ journalists. Critics noted that international journalists continue to face restrictions regarding access to the Gaza Strip.