Just over a year after the investigation and the execution of the pre-trial detention order, the trial, in its first instance and through an abbreviated procedure, has concluded for two of the three defendants accused of extorting a merchant operating in the town of Ciminna, in the province of Palermo. Addiopizzo joined the case as a civil party alongside the victim, who, supported by the Association, found the strength and courage to oppose the extortion racket.
It all began last year, in July 2024, when a merchant from the Palermo province found the courage to break the silence and reach out for support. For some time, he had been subjected to pressure, threats, and demands for money. He ran a bar and tobacco shop in Ciminna.
The man decided to ask for help, contacting Addiopizzo. From that moment, a difficult but necessary path began: a process of listening and support alongside the Association. Thanks to his courage, the support of Addiopizzo, and the work of the Carabinieri and magistrates, it was soon possible to reconstruct the extortion attempts and threats that had kept the merchant under constant pressure.
The investigation led to the arrest of three individuals. For two of them, the trial concluded just over a year later before the judges of the Termini Imerese Court.
During the trial, the victim found the strength to testify, recounting in court the most difficult moments: demands for money, threats to “blow up the house” after having “found a bit – the words intercepted from the defendants – of powder, about five kilos, and some firearms.” Words as heavy as stone, but they could not extinguish the determination of someone who chose to resist.
The testimony of this merchant carries significance beyond this single case. In the inland areas of Palermo, where Cosa Nostra has historically maintained deep-rooted control, speaking out is never easy. Every act of defiance breaks isolation and opens a breach in the wall of silence.
This story confirms how crucial the contribution of local business owners is, ensuring that the valuable work of investigators and the judiciary can achieve results more quickly, as demonstrated by the outcome of today’s trial.
PRESS RELEASE [ITA]
Live Sicilia – “Gli faccio saltare la casa”: il commerciante denuncia, due condanne
Palermo Today – Stritolato dal pizzo e dalle minacce per quattro anni, si ribella e fa condannare i suoi estorsori
Giornale di Sicilia – Ciminna, denunciò il racket. Condannati due estorsori
PalermoToday – L’imprenditore stritolato dal pizzo a Ciminna, via al processo per i suoi 4 aguzzini
LiveSicilia – “Facciamo esplodere la casa”: imprenditore denuncia, processo al via
Giornale di Sicilia – Ciminna, denunciò il pizzo: al via il processo
La Repubblica Palermo – Imprenditore si rivolge ad Addiopizzo. In cella il boss della Pizza connection
Giornale di Sicilia – Racket delle estorsioni e armi, 4 finiscono in manette | Palermo, l’imprenditore taglieggiato si era rivolto ad Addiopizzo: «Aiutiamo chi denuncia»
LiveSicilia – “Gli faccio saltare la casa”: il pizzo, la denuncia e la chiamata su Messenger
BlogSicilia – Estorsione a un imprenditore nel Palermitano, quattro arresti tra cui Catalano boss della Pizza Connection
PalermoToday – Mafia, pistole e il “pizzo a vita” a un imprenditore: scattano 4 arresti, c’è anche un boss della Pizza Connection
TGR Sicilia – Arrestato per estorsione Sal Catalano, anziano boss della Pizza Connection
TGS – Commerciante chiede aiuto ad Addiopizzo: 4 arresti a Ciminna
LiveSicilia – La vittima del pizzo in aula: “Volevano fare saltare in aria casa mia”
PalermoToday – L’imprenditore stritolato dal pizzo depone in aula senza paura: “Volevano far esplodere la mia casa”
Giornale di Sicilia – Pizzo a Ciminna, la vittima: «Pagai tre anni per paura»
