In Turin, the memory that shakes: march for the innocent victims of the mafias

We are back here to walk together, to live a living memory, one that aims to shake people's consciences a little more. Because the mafias exist, they are in constant transformation, and we need to be even more present.” Thus don Luigi Ciotti, founder of Libera, on the sidelines of the 31st National Day in Memory of Innocent Victims of the Mafias, taking place in Turin. “It is the day of memory and commitment - he said - in memory of all the innocent victims of mafia criminal violence. Let us not forget that 80% of them do not know the truth.

The march started from piazza Solferino. Many took to the streets. The march features the families of innocent mafia victims, mayors, and local administrators - including the mayor of Turin Stefano Lo Russo, and the governor of the Piedmont Region, Alberto Cirio - associations, citizens, and students. From the loudspeaker at the front of the march, music alternates with the reading of the names of innocent mafia victims.

“A great day for our city of Turin, a truly impressive mobilization testifying to how much this issue is dear to our city, also in memory of the victims of these criminal organizations,” said Turin Mayor Stefano Lo Russo.

“We are here in the square marching together with tens of thousands of people who have come from all over Italy, testifying to the strong bond that Turin has with the history of the anti-mafia, with the current reality of the anti-mafia that we want to continue to have in the coming years,” added Lo Russo.

“The fight against the mafias is important, I am not talking about the referendum because there is a legal prohibition, but the fight against the mafias, evidenced by all the people present here today, sends a great signal of hope, indeed,” said Cesare Parodi, president of the Anm, who is participating in the Libera march.

«It’s nice - he added - to see so many young people, especially because justice also comes through the commitment of young people, young people who understand what it means, who have trust in justice and so this seems to me the most positive aspect of this very participatory day. I don’t know how many there are, but I would say there are really many participants, that’s all. About the referendum, I can’t say anything, the law prohibits me from doing so and so we wait calmly».