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Italian Culture Minister Fires Two Over Documentary Funding Refusal

5/11/2026

Summary

Story summary

Minister Alessandro Giuli dismissed Emanuele Merlino and Elena Proietti on May 11.
The firings followed the ministry’s refusal to fund a Giulio Regeni documentary.
Giuli said the funding denial was unacceptable, noting he was unaware of it.
Proietti was removed for missing a New York airport departure last month.
The ministry has had departures since 2022, prompting Giuli and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to criticize a Russia return to Venice Biennale.

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Story summary

Minister Alessandro Giuli dismissed Emanuele Merlino and Elena Proietti on May 11.
The firings followed the ministry’s refusal to fund a Giulio Regeni documentary.
Giuli said the funding denial was unacceptable, noting he was unaware of it.
Proietti was removed for missing a New York airport departure last month.
The ministry has had departures since 2022, prompting Giuli and Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni to criticize a Russia return to Venice Biennale.