Foreign Correspondent: April 12

This week Foreign Correspondent profiles Pino Maniaci, the Sicilian journalist who campaigns daily against the Mafia, defying constant threats to his life.

Journalist Pino Maniaci starts most days with a cigarette and espresso in his favourite cafe in the town of Partinico, near Palermo. He’s well looked after there.

To protect his loyal customer and fellow patrons, the cafe owner has installed expensive bullet-proof windows – with good reason.

Pino Maniaci is a target. Most afternoons on the local TV station he runs with his wife and family, Maniaci names and shames, delivering scoops and rants urging fellow Sicilians to fight the corruption of the Mafia

“I want to send a clear message to everyone – protection money must not be paid!” – Pino Maniaci

Maniaci’s car has been burnt and his beloved dogs hanged. He’s been badly beaten up, sustaining a broken leg, broken ribs and broken teeth. These days police escort him to work and watch over his morning editorial meetings at the cafe. He refuses to be intimidated.

“This land is beautiful – sun, sea and beautiful architecture. This land is also known all over the world as the land of the mafia – and that #*!@ me off!” – Pino Maniaci

9.30pm, Tuesday April 12 on ABC.