Journalist fired for question about Israel, case sparks wave of criticism

Italian journalist Gabriele Nunziati has been sacked from his job after he asked European Commission spokeswoman Paula Pinho during a press conference in Brussels whether, having asked Russia to fund the reconstruction of Ukraine, it would do the same for Israel, which is waging war in the Gaza Strip.

According to EU News, his employer, Agenzia Nova, called it a "technically incorrect question" and accused him of not understanding the differences between the conflicts.

The case has sparked reactions in Italian political and journalistic circles, which speak of a threat to press freedom. The European Commission has distanced itself from the case, saying it did not interfere in the agency's personnel decisions.

Meanwhile, a video of the question has gone viral, which Nova says is damaging its reputation. Critics point out, however, that no question should be grounds for dismissal.

(swag)