Demonstration promoted after intimidation of some businesses
Over 4,000 people took part in the procession on Isola Capo Rizzuto to say no to the ‘Ndrangheta.
The initiative, promoted by the municipal administration together with associations, political parties and the parish, was intended as a response to the recent intimidation suffered by some companies operating in the area.
The latest was on April 21st when some vehicles belonging to Soigea, the leading company in the electricity sector with several offices in Italy, were set on fire.
Schools, sports and voluntary associations, parish groups and ordinary citizens walked in silence along the main streets of the city, all behind the banner with the words “the ‘Ndrangheta does not belong to us”.
In addition to the administrators of Isola Capo Rizzuto, numerous mayors of the Crotone area and the president of the Province of Crotone Sergio Ferrari were present. At the moment of departure of the procession, the municipal councilors of Isola, who were at the head of the parade, stopped in front of the municipal building shouting “the ‘Ndrangheta does not enter here”.
“We are here today – said the mayor Maria Grazia Vittimberga – to say together with all the citizens of Isola that we are on the side of the traders and entrepreneurs of all those who get up in the morning and try to earn their living honestly by giving jobs . I want to tell all of them not to feel alone because not only the institutions, not only the police but also the entire population will be on their side”.
“It is an important response – underlined the parish priest, Don Francesco Gentile – because I see many young people, many children but also many adults who have come here spontaneously. This fills me with hope. It is a seed that must be cultivated.”
