A Casal di Principe, a tragic event marked the history of the city. Little Francesco Aversano, only 9 years old, was the first innocent victim of the Camorra.
On September 30, 1973, he was killed by a stray bullet fired by the Camorristi. Fifty years later, the community of Casal di Principe remembers Francesco with affection and dedication.
On Friday, September 29, Mayor Renato Natale will place a marble plaque at the crime scene in memory of little Francesco. The ceremony will be held in the presence of the city's children, who will pay homage to the figure of the young boy. This plaque will be added to a playground already dedicated to Francesco Aversano.
Afterwards, there will be a procession that will arrive at the Playground, located inside a structure confiscated from organized crime. During this moment of reflection, it will be emphasized that Francis has never been recognized by the State as an innocent victim.
Mayor Renato Natale speaks with pride of the sense of struggle of the community of Casal di Principe. The murder of Francesco Aversano represents the first crime of Camorra origin and marked the beginning of a long series of deaths and innocent victims. However, the city did not remain inert and silent, but fought against this criminal dictatorship.
The mayor recalls that the President of the Republic, visiting Casal di Principe on March 21 to remember Don Peppe Diana, emphasized the rebirth and redemption of the community. It is important to remember Francesco Aversano, a child whose innocent life was shattered by the violence of the Camorra. This is necessary so that a mother never has to cry again for the loss of a child due to the arrogant and overbearing power of crime.
Natale thinks back to the words spoken in 2019 by Sister Adelia, a courageous woman who led a march against the Camorra with a megaphone. “I remember Francesco,” the nun said, “trying to hold on to the gate to protect himself, but his hand was bloody.
It was a terrible moment. Those times are now gone and this city can finally express its potential and take back its dignity, the one it has always had. The culture has changed, we must continue on this path, because in recent years we have done a lot and it is essential that all people of good will unite to reject those who only want to do harm”.
Article published on 27 September 2023 - 14:27
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