The Court of First Instance dismissed Enrico Varriale's appeal and upheld Rai's dismissal on grounds of good cause.

The Italian Supreme Court has rejected a lawsuit filed by former Rai journalist Enrico Varriale, upholding the broadcaster’s decision to terminate his employment for just cause. The ruling, issued on July 14, confirms that the dismissal was justified based on documented evidence of misconduct. According to reports from Il Fatto Quotidiano, the court dismissed Varriale's claims that his termination was retaliation for legal actions he had previously taken against Rai over alleged demotion. Varriale, who served as deputy director of Rai Sport, was involved in a criminal investigation starting in 2021 related to harassment and assault allegations against his ex-partner. A judicial process later confirmed that he had been found guilty of these offenses, with a conviction upheld on appeal. In addition to this, Varriale faced another criminal charge involving threats against a second woman, resulting in a separate seven-month prison sentence. These convictions formed the basis of Rai’s decision to dismiss him. The court ruled that the timing of Varriale’s dismissal did not indicate retaliatory action. It noted that prior to the final decision, Rai had imposed only a conservative disciplinary sanction for a different issue and had even considered possible measures to reintegrate him professionally within the organization. The judge concluded that the dismissal was not a response to Varriale’s legal actions but rather a necessary step due to the seriousness of the accusations against him. Rai’s internal procedures led to Varriale’s removal from operational roles and live broadcasts during the course of the criminal proceedings. Despite being kept employed, his responsibilities were gradually reduced. In October 2025, the broadcaster formally terminated his contract under the grounds of just cause, citing the gravity of the incidents he had been convicted of. This decision was challenged through a labor court case, which Varriale argued was a form of reprisal. The legal battle highlights the complex relationship between public broadcasting entities and their employees, particularly when criminal charges are involved. Varriale had claimed that his professional status was unfairly diminished, leading to a court ruling that recognized his dequalification. However, the latest judgment suggests that such legal challenges did not override the broader implications of his criminal record. The case underscores the strict standards applied by Italian courts in determining whether employment terminations are lawful, especially in cases involving serious criminal conduct. The ruling reaffirms that employers can take decisive action when there is clear evidence of wrongdoing, even if the employee contests the decision through legal channels. As the situation stands, Varriale’s career with Rai appears to have come to an end, with no indication of further appeals or legal recourse available.