Ilaria Alpi: A Journalist's Sacrifice for Truth Remembered

Italian journalist Ilaria Alpi, born in Rome on May 24, 1961, was a correspondent for Tg3. She was killed alongside cameraman Miran Hrovatin on March 20, 1994, in Mogadishu, Somalia, during the country's civil war. Her name is inscribed on the Journalists Memorial at the Newseum in Arlington, Virginia, a seven-meter transparent wall that annually adds new panels with names, places, and dates of fallen journalists. The article reflects on journalists who die for truth, information, and justice, often becoming invisible heroes whose sacrifices are recognized only after death. It notes that threats, blackmail, and violence also target journalists in their home countries, especially those reporting on mafia or local corruption. Writer and journalist Giorgio Bocca is quoted questioning whether it is worth dying for journalism, citing the lies surrounding Alpi's case, but expressing hope for change. Bocca's reflection appears in Daniele Biacchessi's book "Passione reporter – Il giornalismo come vocazione," which covers Alpi's story. The piece, written by Sabrina Pessina for MIfacciodiCultura, was published on Artspecialday.