Former Rainews reporter: "Driven out because he's pro-Russian"

An Italian-Russian journalist has claimed he was fired from Rainews because of his political views, alleging the decision was politically motivated. Vsevolod Gnetii, who worked with the state broadcaster Rai since 1999, began as a Russian translator before transitioning into reporting on Eastern Europe. He holds dual citizenship in Italy and Russia and primarily contributed to Rainews through its website. In 2023, the company decided not to renew his contract without specifying the reason. The decision came under the direction of Paolo Petrecca, who reportedly dismissed Gnetii among 21 collaborators, making him the sole one let go. Gnetii has appeared on several programs hosted by Mediaset, including Dritto e Rovescio and Quarto Grado, discussing the war in Ukraine. He stated that while he admires Vladimir Putin and even voted for him, this does not make him a fanatical supporter of Russian positions. During these appearances, he aimed to present a comprehensive view of the situation, including Russian perspectives, without mentioning his work at Rai. He emphasized that his journalistic approach remained objective and balanced. In addition to his role at Rainews, Gnetii collaborates with the Russian news agency Ria Novosti, which he describes as a private entity not receiving state funding and thus not subject to sanctions. When confronted with the termination, Gnetii was offered a settlement of 10,000 euros, which he declined. He subsequently filed a lawsuit against Rai, losing the initial case. As part of his legal efforts, he wrote to President Sergio Mattarella requesting intervention to reinstate him at Rai. The presidential office responded that it lacks authority to intervene directly but expressed confidence in his ability to leverage his determination and professionalism in future opportunities. Gnetii plans to appeal the court’s decision and has not ruled out pursuing further legal action as a citizen of Russia, potentially involving the Moscow-based office of Rai’s foreign correspondence. His case highlights broader tensions around media freedom and political influence in Italy, particularly concerning journalists with ties to Russia. While some argue that his views align with Russian interests, others maintain that his reporting was impartial and focused on providing context rather than endorsing any particular stance. The incident has sparked discussions within both Italian and Russian media circles, with some observers noting the sensitivity surrounding journalists with dual allegiances. Gnetii's claim of political motivation underscores concerns about the independence of media institutions in navigating complex geopolitical landscapes. His ongoing legal battle reflects the challenges faced by professionals operating in environments where political affiliations can intersect with career decisions. As the appeal proceeds, the outcome could have implications for how media organizations handle employees with diverse political backgrounds.