Missing Persons? The Elisa Claps Case and When Journalism Works

In recent hours, a mystery that has dominated the well-known Rai television program “Chi l’ha visto?” for about 17 years has finally been solved, albeit only partially (the killer and any accomplices, as well as the motive, are still missing). The poor remains of Elisa, after years of misdirection and botched investigations, were found right where she was last seen. Over the years, in addition to the struggle of her family—chiefly Gildo (Elisa’s brother) and her mother Filomena—one RAI program,Chi l’ha visto? has kept the flame of remembrance—and above all, of truth—alive. Chi l’ha visto? is a program that has always focused solely on information, often going against the grain in terms of TV ratings and audience numbers.

My compliments go to the editorial team of Chi l’ha visto?, to Federica Sciarelli, who has brought an even more journalistic slant to this public service program. A program that goes against the tide, a program that does not know the word “gossip,” a program that, disregarding all commercial rules, continues year after year to provide targeted and detailed information. My compliments go to all the journalists of this program, who continue a tradition almost entirely lost in Italy: investigative journalism. My condolences go to the Claps family. I personally know some members of this family, being from the same city. I join them in the request for a basic right, that of justice.