Naples – There's an arrogance that knows neither mercy nor context, not even at the gates of a pediatric hospital. An arrogance that transforms the anxiety of two grandparents, rushing to embrace a grandchild fighting for his life, into yet another act of submission to the parallel law of the street.
It happened in Vomero, a few steps from Santobono Hospital. But it could happen anywhere.
The phenomenon of illegal parking attendants isn't a service, it's extortion in disguise. As the analysis of the original text emphasizes, people aren't paying for a service, but to avoid a problem. It's the price of fear, a "tax on insecurity" that fuels a widespread system, often run by organized crime, with precise shifts, quotas, and hierarchies.
The Vomero affair is the emblem of this arrogance
The scene is dramatic in its everyday nature. Two grandparents arrive at the hospital. The relief is palpable: their grandson has just been released from intensive care. His condition is improving, but concern is still written on their faces. They park their car in the blue parking spaces, where a legal payment is made via scratch-off ticket.
But the law here is different.
The "owner" of the area immediately reveals himself: a 55-year-old man, already familiar to law enforcement. He doesn't ask for a donation, but rather imposes a fee. The asking price is 10 euros. For a parking space. In front of a hospital.
The two elderly people, exhausted by anguish, cannot stand it.
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The arrogance doesn't even stop at the State. Some passersby, hearing the screams, dial 112. A Carabinieri patrol arrives on the scene. The sight of the uniform, rather than calming the 55-year-old, unleashes his fury.
The man doesn't back down an inch. He continues to scream, demanding the 10 euros that, in his criminal logic, are rightfully "owed" to him. The situation quickly escalates: the squatter lunges first at the grandfather, then at one of the officers who intervened to restrain him, punching him.
His arrogance continued even after his arrest. Handcuffed and taken to the police station, the 55-year-old continued his display of violence. He began damaging the building's furnishings, then kicked another Carabiniere.
Finally, the height of arrogance, the delusion of omnipotence of someone who feels untouchable: "I'm 100% disabled," he shouts at the soldiers who have stopped him, "I can kill you without doing a day in prison."
The man was arrested on serious charges of resisting arrest, threatening a public official, and attempted extortion. He is now awaiting trial. What remains is the image of two grandparents who, on a day when they should have simply breathed a sigh of relief, were forced to endure yet another violent assault by those who consider the city their own.
Comments (1)
This article highlights a serious problem affecting our society. The issue of illegal parking is very complex and makes us reflect on how often we face unjust situations like this. It's important to find solutions.