(ANSA) - Rome, June 22 - Local politicians faced 454 threats
or acts of violence and intimidation in 2016, one every 19
hours, the Avviso Pubblico anti-mafia councils network said in a
report on Thursday. It said this number has more than doubled
from the 212 cases cited in the debut 'administrators under
fire' report in 2011. Last year intimidation affected 18
regions, 77 provinces, 72% of the total, and 295 councils, a 10%
rise with respect to 2015. On Thursday the Lower House voted to
increase punishments for intimidation against mayors, local or
regional councillors and lawmakers.
454 intimidatory acts for pols in 2016
Episodes have doubled since 2011