In Torre Annunziata, tensions among taxi drivers erupted in a scene of unprecedented violence. Two workers were attacked by a group of colleagues determined to "defend" their territory. One of them, who intervened to stop the beating, was struck in the face with a steel rolling pin, sustaining serious injuries. The message shouted during the attack was clear and chilling: “We're the only ones working here.”
The incident, which occurred near a local hotel, is just the latest in a series of intimidations that have long plagued the industry.
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Words that describe an environment where competition has turned into organized violence. “The complaint I received is very serious – declares Borrelli – and shows an escalation of violence and arrogance on the part of some taxi drivers who are using criminal methods to impose their law and monopolize the work. It is intolerable that citizens and workers are being attacked with clubs, umbrellas, or, as in this case, a steel rolling pin. The Prosecutor's Office must shed full light on these incidents and identify those responsible, who appear to be already known for similar conduct.
The spiral of violence threatens to overwhelm a sector already plagued by internal rivalries and economic hardship. “We need a strong signal – concludes Borrelli – to protect honest taxi drivers and ensure the freedom to work without fear. Torre Annunziata it can't become the Wild West of taxis."
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