Authorities in Rome started the
demolition of eight illegally built villas belonging to members
of the Casamonica criminal clan early on Tuesday.
The operation on the east side of the Italian capital was 10
months in the planning, involved 600 municipal police and begin
in the presence of Mayor Virginia Raggi.
"Today we are clearing and knocking down eight illegal
villas," Raggi, a member of the 5-Star Movement (M5S), said via
Facebook.
"It is the end to 30 years of disrespect for the law and a
strong signal against crime and the Casamonica clan".
Interior Minister and Deputy Premier Matteo Salvini hailed
the operation.
"It's a good sign for Rome," the League party leader said.
"Law and order is returning to pieces of the city. The gravy
train (for criminals) is over".
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