Naples Gears Up for Major Anti-Violence March: Over 150 Associations Join Forces
Naples, May 15 – More than 150 associations, alongside prominent figures from the cultural and social sectors, are set to participate in a significant anti-violence march this Saturday in Naples. The initiative, spearheaded by Archbishop Don Mimmo Battaglia, aims to advocate for education and prevention as key tools in combating violence and social decay within the city.
The march, organized by Libera, the Church of Naples, and various associations, will commence at 10:30 AM from Piazza Garibaldi and proceed to Piazza Dante, where a public assembly will be held. The event underscores the urgent need for a unified “educational community” to address the root causes of violence, particularly among the city’s youth.
Archbishop Battaglia Emphasizes “Educational Pact”
Archbishop Don Mimmo Battaglia, a vocal advocate for the marginalized, has been a driving force behind this mobilization. He stresses that the fight against organized crime, which thrives on “educational poverty and a void of future,” must begin in places of growth, addressing broken ties and the loneliness that afflicts young people.
“Every young person saved from the streets is a victory for civilization. Every life saved is a barrier against evil,” stated Battaglia, invoking the concept of an “Educational Pact” as a concrete form of hope. He referenced Pope Leo’s admonition: “Do not break this network that unites you, do not extinguish this light that you have begun to light in the darkness… Continue to carry forward this Pact.”
Call for New Public Policies and Social Support
The movement calls for public policies that represent a clear break from repressive measures. Proponents advocate for a “Community Decree” and a Regional Law on Community Education, which would ensure the continuity of social projects and guarantee a “minimum monthly salary” for those working in the social sector. This is seen as crucial for supporting individuals who often operate in precarious conditions within popular neighborhoods, schools, and prisons.
Mariano Di Palma, regional coordinator of Libera, highlighted the ongoing challenges: “Until we free ourselves from the illegal and widespread possession of weapons, and until we make the most popular neighborhoods places of public and social remediation, we will continue to hear gunshots, see blood in the streets, and mourn young victims.” He emphasized the importance of free access to culture and sports, and the repurposing of assets confiscated from mafias to generate employment, as vital steps in overcoming cultural, patriarchal, and criminal violence.
Unions Join the Movement, Denounce Inaction
Trade unions are also at the forefront of this initiative, building on a movement that began on November 9, 2024, and continued in Ponticelli following the tragic murder of Fabio Ascione, an innocent 20-year-old. Nicola Ricci, General Secretary of CGIL Naples and Campania, asserted, “With Saturday’s demonstration, we want to tell everyone that freeing Naples from violence is possible.”
Ricci stressed the collective responsibility to combat these attacks on the city and daily life, stating that the response cannot be mere propaganda or prison overcrowding. Instead, he called for “more State presence with serious laws and interventions.”
Prominent Figures Lend Their Support
The march has garnered widespread support from a diverse range of individuals, including writers, directors, and representatives of civil society who intimately know and experience Naples. Among those who have joined the cause are Maurizio De Giovanni, Valeria Perrella, Viola Ardone, Roberto Andò, Silvio Petrella, Peppe Lanzetta, Costanza Boccardi, Luciano Stella, Mimmo Basso, and Isaia Sales.
This collective effort underscores a shared determination to transform Naples into a safer and more equitable city, fostering a future where education and community engagement triumph over violence and despair.
