Today, the first-instance trial ended—resulting largely in convictions—for dozens of individuals accused of belonging to the mafia clan of Trabia, in the province of Palermo. The charges included mafia association, extortion, damage, and arson.
In this trial, Addiopizzo was a civil party, alongside the only reported victim who, with the association’s support, stood up to the racketeering—and was subsequently targeted by a serious arson attack that destroyed the structure and equipment of their beach establishment in Trabia.
The blaze, which erupted overnight, destroyed the facility and caused extensive damage, especially because it happened on the eve of the summer season. This was a heavy blow for the young owner who, in the previous months, had—again with Addiopizzo’s help—undertaken a reporting process that led to the arrest of their extortionists.
In the hours after the fire, Addiopizzo mobilized and coordinated support interventions involving the movement’s network of entrepreneurs and shopkeepers, who, in a spirit of solidarity, provided all necessary support—delivery of free materials for reconstruction and equipment to refit the structure.
Specifically, some saw to the collection and disposal of waste, especially ashes and debris caused by the fire, while others provided timber, building materials, and kitchen equipment (sinks, refrigeration counters, ovens, hotplates, etc.).
This was an efficient support network set up by our Association, which enabled the victim to rise from the ashes and reopen the business in less than two months. The new lido was inaugurated on June 29, 2019, on the fifteenth anniversary of Addiopizzo’s founding.
The decision to be actively present in the recently concluded trial is a natural extension of our work in the area. As this story shows, it goes far beyond support for reporting and courtroom assistance: it allowed the victim to restart the business devastated by arson, thanks to the solidarity of local traders and entrepreneurs in the Addiopizzo network—several years before any compensation mandated by law was paid.
PRESS REVIEW
La Repubblica Palermo – Mafia delle Madonie, condanne per oltre 130 anni a boss e estorsori
Giornale di Sicilia – Pizzo fra Trabia e le Madonie Oltre un secolo di carcere
PalermoToday – Pizzo, minacce e danneggiamenti: condannati 16 tra boss e gregari delle cosche della provincia
LiveSicilia – Mafia di Trabia, oltre un secolo di carcere per boss e gregari
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LiveSicilia – Luca and his no to the pizzo “I’m a cop and I’m proud of it” (June 29, 2019)
