«I wanted to rebuild myself, not say a virginity, which was impossible, but a reputation in this positive sense.» Valter Lavitola’s defense starts from these words in the appeal memory on the attack on Sigfrido Ranucci. These are words from the August 12 interrogation: the personal advantages glimpsed in a political future of the friend.
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The lawyers acknowledge those expectations but dispute the political motive indicated by the Rome Prosecutor’s Office. For Lavitola, the main goal was to obtain more protection for Ranucci. Against an imminent candidacy, they cite the voice message of June 9, 2026, in which Ranucci excludes it.
Attack on Ranucci: the Prosecutor’s accusations
The investigation concerns the bomb that exploded on October 16, 2025, in front of Ranucci’s home, in Torvaianica. According to the Prosecutor’s Office, cited in the memory, Lavitola would have wanted the action “to generate a massive wave of solidarity in favor of Ranucci.” Two objectives: to protect the hosting of Report and increase his popularity in view of a possible entry into politics.
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The preventive custody concerns illegal possession and carrying of weapons aggravated by the mafia method. Ranucci is the victim: in the reported passages, Judge Iole Morrica does not find elements of an agreement with Lavitola. The defense recalls that the defendant, interrogated on August 12, also excluded an understanding with the journalist about the attack.
Lavitola: admissions and mafia method
There are six reasons for the act signed by Lavitola’s lawyers, Sergio and Arturo Cola. The lawyers recall the admissions already made: “No. Then yes, I am responsible.” Lavitola would have asked Clesio Tavares Gomes to shoot against the wall of the house, discovering later the use of the bomb. For the lawyers, he took responsibility also for the different execution methods, accepting the risk with an open mandate. In the rejection of house arrest on August 13, the Judge believes that Lavitola tried to downplay his role.
