Torchlight procession in Sorrento Peninsula for Ethan's return

Piano di Sorrento. An empty stroller plows through the silence of the streets of Piano di Sorrento, already lit up for the upcoming patronal feast of San Michele.

A symbolic gesture, desired by the mother, Claudia Ciampa, who last night marched alongside the mayors of the Sorrento peninsula to raise awareness of the international abduction of little Ethan, her 7-month-old son who was presumably taken to the United States without his consent by his American ex-partner.

It's been almost a month since that stroller and the mother's arms were left empty, without a baby who is still fed exclusively on breast milk.

A dramatic story, which immediately hit the national media spotlight and was followed with participation and affection by all of Italy. Yesterday evening the territory decided to make its voice heard at the end of a symbolic function, the display of the statue of San Michelino, with which the protection of the Archangel, patron saint of the City, is invoked every year on the children of the community.

After the blessing of the parish priest, Don Antonino D'Esposito, everyone marched to Piazza Cota, where the mother personally thanked the community accompanied by the tricolor bands from all over the peninsula.

“I wanted to symbolically march with Ethan's empty stroller,” explains his mother Claudia Ciampa, “to underline that not only is an important piece of my family and my heart missing, but also a small member of our community.

I thank once again all those, institutions and ordinary people, who also on this occasion have shown me their solidarity and closeness. This is a support that is fundamental for me, it was like a caress to the heart”.

The delicate case is being followed minute by minute in its legal implications by the lawyer Gian Ettore Gassani, president of the Ami (Association of Italian Matrimonial Lawyers) who has activated all the procedures for international child abduction as provided for by the Hague Convention.

International cooperation between Italy and the United States is also essential, given that the child has dual citizenship, but grew up and is a resident of Piano di Sorrento, which is why the case was also brought to the attention of the Farnesina.

The Mayor of Piano: “Ethan Must Come Home”

"Little Ethan - concluded the mayor of Piano, Salvatore Cappiello - must return home to his mother and brothers. It is a message relaunched this evening with a touching torchlight procession in our City. We are a large community that is close, in every possible way, to mother Claudia and the whole family".