Among the protagonists of the reportage is also the creator of FMWJ, Marilù Mastrogiovanni, the voice that the mafia has failed to silence
In the silence that often surrounds organised crime in Puglia, one voice has risen with courage, determination and clarity. It is that of Marilù Mastrogiovanni, investigative journalist and founder of the Forum of Mediterranean Women Journalists (FMWJ), who for years has been documenting the infiltration of the Sacra Corona Unita – the so-called Fourth Mafia – into the political and economic fabric of Salento.
Compared to the more well-known ‘Ndrangheta, Cosa Nostra and Camorra, the Sacra Corona Unita enjoys less media exposure but is no less dangerous. With around 5,000 members active in international drug trafficking, racketeering and illegal toxic waste disposal, it has built a silent but deep network within institutions and the legal economy. It is precisely this latter aspect that many of Mastrogiovanni’s investigations have focused on.
The French public television documentary
Rémi Cadoret, Bertrand Aguirre and Bernard Bedarida, correspondents for France24, spent ten days working in Puglia and produced a 26-minute report entirely dedicated to the women who courageously fight organised crime in Puglia: ‘Italie des femmes contre la mafia’ was broadcast on 16 May 2025 on France 24 (click here), the Paris-based public television channel that provides international news 24 hours a day.
You can watch the documentary in English here: https://www.france24.com/en/tv-shows/reporters/20250516-italy-the-women-taking-on-the-mafia
Cadoret, Aguirre and Bedarida’s story focuses on the work of three women at the forefront of the fight against the Sacra Corona Unita in Puglia:
Bruna Manganelli, an anti-mafia prosecutor in Bari who has been working under police protection for six years, dealing with the violence of local mafia clans involved in settling scores, even with Kalashnikovs. Her efforts have led to the dismantling of important parts of criminal organisations, the confiscation of mafia assets and severe prison sentences for those responsible.
Rosaria De Razza, a senior police officer in charge of an all-male investigative team, leads high-risk operations. Her investigations have led to the arrest of over 160 mafia members in a single year and the discovery of actual mafia settlements.
Marilù Mastrogiovanni, an investigative journalist, has denounced mafia infiltration into local politics and the economy in Salento, particularly the illegal disposal of toxic waste. After threats, thefts, intimidation and arson attacks, she was forced to move away with her family.
The documentary also recalls the figure of Renata Fonte, a municipal councillor killed in 1984 for opposing building speculation in protected areas. Only years later did the truth emerge: it was the first mafia murder of a woman in Puglia.
Marilù’s commitment continues
For twenty years, Mastrogiovanni has accurately reported names, facts, data and connections: a long series of uncomfortable truths that have triggered a systematic campaign of intimidation against her. Physical threats, thefts from the editorial office, arson, dogs killed and judicial pressure through the hateful tool of specious and intimidating lawsuits. The journalist suffered all kinds of retaliation for breaking the wall of silence. The situation became so unbearable that she had to leave her home and move with her family. But even that did not stop her.
Through the Forum of Mediterranean Women Journalists, Marilù Mastrogiovanni has created a free, independent space where the stories of women who challenge power and the mafia finally find visibility and a listening ear. A unique event of its kind in Italy, it has become an international reference point for free information and the promotion of uncompromising journalism.
In a difficult land like Puglia, her battle has become a symbol of civil and professional resistance. A battle that continues every day, with the pen and the word.
