Rome, April 7 – ‘Ohana’, the capital’s first anti-mafia bistro located in the Infernetto district, was subjected to an act of vandalism on Easter night. The incident involved an attempt to smash one of the bistro’s windows, allegedly with a hammer, causing glass to scatter into the dining area. The bistro, a key project of the #Noi association, has declared that it will not be deterred by this “vile act.”
“We Will Not Be Intimidated”: #Noi Association Responds to Vandalism
The attack occurred during the night, with the perpetrator targeting a window of the ‘Ohana’ bistro. Lorenzo Coluzzi, president of the #Noi Youth section, stated, “Needless to say, we will not be intimidated by this vile act. We will move forward stronger than before. Always with our heads held high.” The bistro, which opened in May of last year, is known for its commitment to legality and social engagement, also notably serving as the location for a famous pinball scene in Carlo Verdone’s film “Troppo forte.”
Widespread Solidarity for ‘Ohana’ Bistro
The incident has prompted a wave of solidarity from public officials and community leaders. Tobia Zevi, Rome’s Councillor for Heritage and Housing Policies, expressed his support, highlighting the bistro’s role as a public asset transformed into “a space for training and work for young people committed to legality: an important outpost for the future of many girls and boys.” Zevi affirmed, “We will continue to work together, every day, to strengthen these paths in the name of legality.”
Virginia Raggi, M5S Capitol Councillor and former Mayor of Rome, also conveyed her “closeness” to the anti-mafia bistro, describing the act as “an intimidation gesture as despicable as it is useless, because it certainly will not discourage the #Noi association, which has been managing it for almost a year and making it an outpost of legality appreciated by all honest citizens.” Raggi emphasized the need for institutions to support those fighting against mafias, stating, “But if the boys and girls of Ohana will not be intimidated, institutions must also do their part and not leave alone those who fight on the front lines against mafias every day.”
‘Ohana’: A Symbol of Legality and Community Engagement
The ‘Ohana’ bistro represents a significant initiative in Rome’s fight against organized crime. By converting confiscated assets into spaces for community benefit, the #Noi association provides a tangible example of how legality can reclaim spaces once associated with illegality. The bistro not only offers a place for dining but also serves as a hub for training and employment, particularly for young people, fostering a sense of civic responsibility and opposition to criminal activities.
The act of vandalism, while unsettling, has seemingly strengthened the resolve of the #Noi association and its supporters. The immediate and strong reactions from local authorities underscore the importance of such initiatives in promoting legality and social cohesion within the community. The continued operation of ‘Ohana’ serves as a powerful message that efforts to build a more just and lawful society will persevere despite attempts at intimidation.
This incident is part of a broader context of efforts in Rome to repurpose confiscated criminal assets for public good. Recent examples include the transformation of an building in via della Mercede into a theatrical library and the requalification of piazza Bozzi in San Basilio with new olive trees, demonstrating a concerted push to bring culture and legality to areas previously affected by illegal activities.
The #Noi association and its allies remain committed to their mission, viewing the vandalism not as a setback, but as further motivation to continue their vital work in promoting legality and offering opportunities for young people in Rome.
Source: https://roma.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_aprile_07/ohana-all-infernetto-vandalizzato-il-primo-bistrot-antimafia-qui-verdone-giro-la-scena-del-flipper-in-troppo-forte-db7d2eb9-857b-4be1-9d75-2262d77a0xlk.shtml
