Around 25,000 people from all over
Italy on Tuesday took part in a march in the southern city of
Locri for the national day of remembrance for the innocent
victims of the mafia.
The Libera anti-mafia association said a total of around half
a million people took part in similar events all over the
country.
The bishop's building in Locri was daubed with anti-police
graffiti on the night between Sunday and Monday after President
Sergio Mattarella blasted the mafia in a visit at the weekend.
The graffiti read "more work, fewer cops" and was widely
interpreted as being a challenge to the State.
On Sunday Mattarella said that mafiosi "do not have honour".
Vandals also wrote "Don Ciotti cop", referring to anti-mafia
priest Don Luigi Ciotti.
"Today in Locri we are all cops," said Don Ciotti.
"We remember the many names of members of the security forces
who have lost their lives," he said.
"No one can label them or insult them".
Tuesday's march was headed by the families of victims who
carried banners prepared by Libera reading: "places of hope,
witnesses of beauty".
The widow of Carabiniere police superintendent Antonino
Marino, who was killed in Bovalino in July 1990, wore a shirt
that had "proud to have married a cop" written on.
"When I saw what was written yesterday, my stomach turned,"
the woman said.
"I am the wife and mother of a Carabiniere. Cops are good
people. Respect".
A group of minors who arrived in Calabria on migrant boats in
recent months also took part in the march, carrying a huge peace
flag.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
