NAPLES, Campania – Anonymous threat letters have been sent to Don Maurizio Patriciello, the parish priest of Parco Verde in Caivano, Premier Giorgia Meloni, and journalist Adriano Cappellari. The incidents, which occurred yesterday evening, have prompted an immediate response from authorities, including a meeting of law enforcement agencies and an increase in security measures for Don Patriciello.
Increased Security for Don Patriciello Following Threats
The decision to enhance personal and territorial security for Don Maurizio Patriciello was made during a technical meeting of law enforcement held yesterday afternoon in Caivano. This action follows the receipt of threatening missives, also sent to Premier Meloni and journalist Adriano Cappellari of ‘L’Altipiano’, who has written articles about the priest.
Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council, is in constant contact with the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, regarding these threats. The content of the letters received by Cappellari was reportedly similar to those sent to Don Patriciello.
Pina Castiello, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers, stated, “The new intimidation attempts through anonymous letters, addressed to Don Maurizio Patriciello, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and journalist Adriano Cappellari, certify that the turning point in Caivano, driven by our government, is hitting its mark, stifling criminal groups whose time is now over.”
Solidarity and Continued Fight Against Crime
Numerous expressions of solidarity have poured in for Don Patriciello, Premier Meloni, and Cappellari. Domenico Airoma, the public prosecutor of Naples North, spoke after a mass celebrated by Don Patriciello, emphasizing that institutions always have a visible presence. He also expressed his eagerness to return to Parco Verde.
Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region, condemned the threats, stating, “Threats and intimidations are incompatible with the principles of legality and civil coexistence. It is everyone’s duty to continue to defend democratic values with responsibility and determination.”
Massimiliano Manfredi, President of the Regional Council, echoed these sentiments, adding, “In Caivano, the battle for legality continues and will not stop in the face of intimidation attempts. The hope is that, along with security initiatives, those for work and territorial development will also be implemented, which are fundamental to definitively remove any space for criminality.”
The authorities are resolute in their commitment to maintaining the progress made in Caivano, ensuring that the state’s presence is felt and that efforts to combat organized crime continue unabated. The incident underscores the ongoing challenges faced by those working to establish legality and promote development in areas affected by criminal activity.
