Alfredo Pirri Calls on Artists to Resist Authoritarianism

Artist Alfredo Pirri has issued a public appeal for artists and intellectuals to resist the rise of authoritarianism in Italy, following threats to writer Roberto Saviano and art historian Adachiara Zevi. On July 20, 2018, Saviano posted a Facebook appeal urging resistance, and an interview with La Repubblica the same day warned that artists and intellectuals are silent out of fear of social media backlash and threats to their property. Pirri argues that the real issue is not just protecting Saviano, but defending the right to criticize power. He condemns Interior Minister Matteo Salvini's threat to remove Saviano's police escort and anonymous threats against Zevi as signs that Italy may already have fallen into authoritarianism, reminiscent of the rise of fascism. Pirri calls on fellow artists to speak out individually or collectively, rather than remain silent or resort to jokes about Salvini. He emphasizes that intellectuals and artists represent an untouchable barrier for civil society, and any erosion of their freedom could lead to historical catastrophe.