A Libera investigation reveals an alarming picture: most extortion victims in Italy don't report their crimes for fear of retaliation.
The phenomenon, albeit with varying intensity, is present throughout the country, with Naples emerging as the most affected area.
According to the study, conducted on a sample of 412 economic operators in Turin, Florence and Naples, 50% of extortion victims remain silent for fear of reprisals against them or their families. A very high percentage, which highlights how the climate of intimidation generated by the mafia is still very strong in some areas of Italy.
Fear of retaliation is not the only obstacle: 72,33% of those interviewed said they did not know the protections and financial benefits provided by law for those who report extortion. An information gap that contributes to keeping many victims silent.
“The pizzo is a complex phenomenon and rooted in our social fabric,” comments [name of the researcher or spokesperson for Libera]. “To fight it, it is essential not only to strengthen repressive actions, but also to work on prevention and raising public awareness.”
Naples, the most affected city
The investigation highlights how the problem of extortion is particularly felt in Naples. In addition to the fear of retaliation, in Naples there is more widespread knowledge of other forms of extortion, such as the obligation to provide goods or services for free or the imposition of machinery supplies.
Not just lace
The study also analyzed the phenomenon of usury, which is equally widespread, although less visible. In Naples, 40,21% of those interviewed believe that usury is “fairly” widespread, while in Turin and Florence this perception is much lower. Even in the case of usury, the fear of retaliation and the lack of knowledge of legal protections discourage many victims from reporting.
What to do: To effectively combat the phenomenon of extortion and usury it is necessary to:
To raise awareness: inform citizens of their rights and the protections provided by law.
Strengthening collaboration: promote collaboration between law enforcement, the judiciary and anti-racketeering associations.
Protecting the victims: ensure that victims of extortion and usury have adequate protection programs.
In short
A Libera investigation reveals an alarming picture: most extortion victims in Italy do not report for fear of reprisals.
- The phenomenon, albeit with varying intensity, is present throughout the country, with Naples emerging as the most…
- According to the study, conducted on a sample of 412 economic operators in Turin, Florence, and Naples, 50% of the victims…
- A very high percentage, which highlights how the climate of intimidation generated by the mafia is still very strong in some areas...
Key questions
What is the main point of the news?
A Libera investigation reveals an alarming picture: most extortion victims in Italy do not report for fear of reprisals.
Why is this news relevant?
The phenomenon, albeit with varying intensity, is present throughout the country, with Naples emerging as the most…
Which detail helps us understand the case better?
According to the study, conducted on a sample of 412 economic operators in Turin, Florence, and Naples, 50% of extortion victims remain silent because…
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