The tenth edition of DIG Festival, staged in Modena from 18 to 22 September 2024, was entitled 'J'accuse', a choice we made for several reasons.

"J'accuse" is an expression that indicates the need to publicly denounce an injustice, even when doing so is inconvenient or dangerous. With the title 'J'accuse' DIG Festival 2024 wanted to pay tribute to independent journalism, to those who have the courage to put 'the truth first', to those who take a stand. 

"J'accuse" reminds everyone that the role of journalism, in these times of crisis and war, is always the same: to denounce injustice, even when it is dangerous, disadvantageous or inconvenient, because this is the only way journalism can save itself from bankruptcy and bring politics back within the perimeter of democracy.

Therefore, the opening lectio magistralis of the 10th DIG Festival featured Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, and journalist Christian Eliaswho chose the phrase 'J'accuse' as the title for their book calling for an end to the massacre in Palestine.

Albanese and Elia's lecture opened the festival, illustrating its main themes and reasons: denouncing the genocide of the Palestinian people, the tremendous price paid by journalists in Gaza, and reminding us that the role of journalism that really wants to be the 'watchdog' of power is to name things and point out those responsible.

Watch the full video of the lectio magistralis by Francesca Albanese and Christian Elia: