The Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard and the Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy have presented a citation to Ezio Mauro, editor of La Repubblica in Italy, recognizing his courageous leadership and the essential efforts of the newspaper on behalf of press freedom. It is a statement of support for Mauro and his colleagues in the face of attacks and legal actions by Italian Prime Minister Berlusconi.

The citation was presented by Nieman Foundation Curator Bob Giles, NF ’66, and Director of the Shorenstein Center Alex Jones, NF ’82, during the annual Richard S. Salant Lecture on Freedom of the Press on Oct. 22 at Harvard Kennedy School.

The full text of the citation for Ezio Mauro and La Repubblica reads:

At a time of grave jeopardy for freedom of the press in Italy, La Repubblica, under the editorial guidance of Ezio Mauro, has courageously insisted in its pages that government must be accountable to the citizens and that the role of the press is to demand that accountability.Despite threats, economic pressure and lawsuits seeking millions in damages, La Repubblica has continued to lead the fight for making power accountable and has inspired hundreds of thousands of Italians to join the fight for genuine press freedom.

For his courage in leading La Repubblica so honorably and bravely in these perilous times, the Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard University and the Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy at Harvard’s Kennedy School of Government present this citation to Ezio Mauro. It is awarded in hope and belief that the fight for press freedom in Italy will prevail.

– Robert H. Giles, Curator, Nieman Foundation for Journalism at Harvard
– Alex S. Jones, Director, Joan Shorenstein Center on the Press, Politics and Public Policy