Just over 300 people took part in the peace demonstration organized by Sardines and other pacifist movements in Piazza San Domenico in Naples.
The initiative, born in the wake of military tensions between the US and Iran, was not a great success, but it demonstrated the emergence of a network on certain issues between the Neapolitan Sardines and other movements, such as the "Tutti a scuola" association, which works for the full inclusion of children with disabilities in schools, and civic networks linked to Father Alex Zanotelli, who also took part in the demonstration. It also involved Amnesty International, which promoted the demonstration marking the fourth anniversary of Giulio Regeni's death, which the Sardines joined. And the Democratic Party (PD), represented by Neapolitan secretary Marco Sarracino and center-left Senate candidate Sandro Ruotolo. "We're working this evening," explains Brino Martirani, one of the Neapolitan leaders of the Sardines movement, "on the need for peace, and then we'll go to support the demonstration for truth and justice in the Regeni case. In Piazza San Domenico, art will speak tonight, with representatives of the former Filangieri asylum, who, through the words of artists from the post-World War I and II periods, convey the spirit of Article 11 of the Constitution. Father Alex will also be speaking, fully reflecting the spirit of the Sardines." Regarding the low turnout, Martirani explains: "We didn't expect 10.000 people like when we first gathered in Naples' Piazza Dante. But every time we take to the streets, it's an important exercise because it seems people have forgotten about it, and so we must continue to do so." Toni Nocchetti emphasizes that his association's participation in the initiative "is a natural choice for those dealing with hardship, because history teaches us that when investments are shifted away from security, weapons, and border defense, resources are diverted from education, healthcare, and assistance for the most vulnerable. It's normal that we're here, while it's strange that there are no priests, except Father Alex, that there aren't many school administrators, and that there are no citizens holding public roles related to education and information. Journalists should be demonstrating too." After the demonstration in Piazza San Domenico concluded, participants moved to the nearby Piazza de Gesu' to join Amnesty International representatives who lit candles under the obelisk in the center of the square to remember Giulio Regeni on the fourth anniversary of his death in Egypt.
Article published on January 25, 2020 - 19:47 PM - News Desk
