The trial concerning the extortion carried out in the Noce neighbourhood of Palermo has concluded at first instance. In the proceedings, Addiopizzo had joined as a civil party together with a building contractor and his worker who, with the association’s support, stood up to the extortion attempts they had suffered.
Our choice to be actively present in the trial is the natural consequence of our work in the area, which led to accompanying the victims, who have now joined the proceedings, through the process of reporting.
It was, in fact, thanks to a path of listening and support carried out together with the victim and the workers of the construction company that the decision to resist and not give in to the extortion demands took shape.
In a short time, thanks to the cooperation of the victims and the effective work of police officers from the Squadra Mobile and the SisCo and of magistrates from the Palermo Public Prosecutor’s Office, the perpetrators were identified, building sites were secured and the episodes of extortion were reconstructed.
However, it should be stressed that while several business owners and shopkeepers in the Noce area came forward to cooperate in a short time, it is highly likely that during the same period other businesses in the neighbourhood were targeted by the extortion racket.
To them, and to all those caught in the grip of extortion, we want to reaffirm that it is possible to stand up to extortion demands, and that this choice can be made safely and without being left isolated, as shown by the stories of resistance of those who, with our support, have reported, joined the proceedings as civil parties and received compensation.
Press review
TGR Sicilia – Report of 22 October 2026, 2 pm edition
- Live Sicilia – In giro con lo scooter a chiedere il pizzo, condanne alla Noce (Riding around on a scooter demanding pizzo: convictions in the Noce)
- La Sicilia – Esattori della Noce condannati al carcere e al risarcimento di tre imprenditori e un operaio: si erano ribellati al pizzo (Noce collectors sentenced to prison and to compensate three business owners and a worker who had rebelled against the pizzo)
- GDS – Tentate estorsioni alla Noce, due condanne (Attempted extortion in the Noce: two convictions)
- Blog Sicilia – Estorsioni a imprenditori alla Noce, due condannati (Extortion of business owners in the Noce: two convicted)
- Palermo Today – “Digli che va a prendere i soldi o finisce male”: condannati due esattori del pizzo alla Noce (“Tell him he has to go and get the money or it’ll end badly”: two pizzo collectors convicted in the Noce)
- GDS – Pizzo a cantieri e negozi, due condannati alla Noce (Pizzo demanded from building sites and shops: two convicted in the Noce)
