NAPLES, Campania, Italy – Don Maurizio Patriciello, the parish priest of Parco Verde in Caivano, has been the recipient of death threats, as have Italian Premier Giorgia Meloni and journalist Adriano Cappellari. The threats, delivered via anonymous letters, have prompted an immediate response from authorities, with increased security measures now in place for Don Patriciello.
Security Bolstered After Threats
The decision to enhance personal and territorial security for Don Maurizio Patriciello was made during a technical meeting of law enforcement agencies held yesterday afternoon in Caivano. This move comes after multiple threatening letters were sent to the priest, with similar missives also targeting Premier Meloni and Adriano Cappellari, a journalist for L’Altipiano who has written extensively about Don Patriciello’s work.
Alfredo Mantovano, Undersecretary to the Presidency of the Council, is in constant contact with the Prefect of Naples, Michele di Bari, to assess the situation and determine further actions. The threats are seen as a direct challenge to the state’s efforts to combat crime in Caivano.
Government Vows to Continue Fight Against Crime
Pina Castiello, Undersecretary of State to the Presidency of the Council of Ministers with responsibility for relations with Parliament, stated, “The new acts of intimidation via anonymous letters, addressed to Don Maurizio Patriciello, Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and journalist Adriano Cappellari, certify that the turning point in Caivano, initiated by our government, is hitting its mark, depriving criminal elements of breath and room for maneuver. Their time is now over.”
Castiello emphasized that the threats would not be underestimated and reiterated the government’s commitment to the region. “Let those who are fond of the idea of an impalpable state and unchecked criminality resign themselves: in Caivano, nothing will be as it was before. The State has returned to defend the masterful work of Don Maurizio Patriciello and to affirm legality and the protection of decent people, and it will not leave.”
Solidarity and Support for Don Patriciello
Numerous expressions of solidarity have poured in for Don Patriciello following the threats. Domenico Airoma, the public prosecutor of Naples North, spoke after a mass celebrated by Don Patriciello, stating, “Isolation is not good. That is why we are all here.” Airoma highlighted the visible presence of institutions and expressed his desire to return to Parco Verde.
Roberto Fico, President of the Campania Region, condemned the threats, saying, “I express full closeness to Don Maurizio Patriciello, to President of the Council Giorgia Meloni, and to journalist Adriano Cappellari for the serious and disturbing intimidating messages received. These are episodes that deserve firm condemnation.” He stressed that threats and intimidation are incompatible with the principles of legality and civil coexistence, and that it is everyone’s duty to continue defending democratic values with responsibility and determination.
Massimiliano Manfredi, President of the Regional Council, echoed these sentiments, stating, “Full solidarity with Don Maurizio Patriciello, Premier Giorgia Meloni, and journalist Cappellari for the threats received. In Caivano, the battle for legality continues and will not stop in the face of intimidation attempts.” He expressed hope that security initiatives would be accompanied by efforts to promote employment and development in the area, which are crucial for permanently removing space for criminality.
The Broader Context of Caivano’s Struggle
The threats against Don Patriciello, Premier Meloni, and Cappellari underscore the ongoing challenges in Caivano, a region grappling with significant crime issues. Don Patriciello has been a vocal and active figure in the fight against organized crime and social decay in the Parco Verde area, making him a target for those who seek to undermine efforts to restore legality and improve living conditions.
The government’s increased focus on Caivano, as highlighted by Premier Meloni’s visit and the subsequent actions, signifies a concerted effort to reclaim the territory from criminal influence. The threats, while alarming, are interpreted by authorities as a sign that these efforts are indeed having an impact and disrupting established criminal networks.
The continued support from both regional and national authorities, coupled with the unwavering determination of figures like Don Patriciello, signals a sustained commitment to transforming Caivano. The community, through its support for the priest and the presence of law enforcement officials, demonstrates a collective resolve to overcome the challenges posed by criminal elements and build a safer, more prosperous future for the region.
Source: https://napoli.corriere.it/notizie/cronaca/26_febbraio_15/caivano-lettere-di-minacce-a-don-patriciello-e-alla-premier-meloni-il-prefetto-convoca-un-vertice-con-le-forze-dell-ordine-9d1b20fb-6bb5-48b3-97d9-ade59b1f9xlk.shtml
