Mediterranean Journalists Festival in Otranto Focuses on Press Freedom

The 18th Mediterranean Journalists Festival will be held in Otranto, Italy, from 1 to 4 September. Patron Tommaso Forte said the event will centre on the urgency of press freedom, arguing that the right belongs to citizens as well as journalists. The festival will feature Italian public‑service broadcaster Rai journalist Vittorio di Trapani, president of the National Federation of the Italian Press, and will host international reporters, analysts and writers to discuss topics such as current geopolitical conflicts, climate change and human‑rights issues.

A recurring case highlighted is that of American freelance journalist Shelly Kittleson, who was kidnapped in Baghdad in March and released after a week, underscoring the dangers faced by reporters in the Middle East.