02 November 2024
“The relatives of the mafia victims are only interested in the Anti-Mafia being able to carry out its work in a serene and transparent way, without any external interference, much less the interference of party colours.” Pippo Di Vita, president of the European and Memory Committee, said it. The latter, first through a letter sent to Minister Nordio and then to our notebooks, explains how the only priority for the families of those who lost their lives for the sake of legality is simply to understand what happened during those dark years of the massacres and not take positions against this or that party. The exponent of the world of associations highlights, therefore, how the protest, staged the day before yesterday at Palazzo Madama, represents only the small part of a much larger and more varied universe, which is not interested in gaining consensus towards a particular direction, but only that light be shed on opaque pieces of history which need to be clarified as soon as possible. «I think it is necessary to clarify – they write in the note sent to the Keeper of the Seals and to the president of the Commission that deals with the fight against organized crime – that the list of family members who join this initiative is limited and not representative, compared to the hundreds of family members who, in silence, they seek that justice which has unfortunately been trampled upon for decades of misdirections, cover-ups and trial adjustments.”
A reference, therefore, to the ban imposed by the president of the Colosimo Commission on the former prosecutor Scarpinato from accessing those wiretaps that could interfere with the investigations concerning facts relating to his previous profession. “At this moment the senator – underline the relatives of the victims – is under the spotlight of an investigation which involves him indirectly, but which there is no interest on my part in referring to”. They do not find themselves, therefore, with the opposition’s controversy against the majority’s proposal to keep the members of the body out when matters are dealt with, which in one way or another, have a connection with the profession carried out before becoming honorable by the commissioners, as in the De Raho and Scarpinato cases. Di Vita specifies that the association’s position is not intended to be an attack on the M5S, but rather an invitation to ensure that when certain issues are discussed, colours, sides and above all a sterile controversy, which brings no results, are overcome .
«The victims of the mafia – he says to our notebooks – must not have a party affiliation. Each of us can have an idea, a soldier in a force, but when faced with certain issues or rather behaviors regarding the future of our children, we should overcome limitations and remain united. The real mistake of the organizers of yesterday’s conference was not to underline that only one side thought in a certain way. Instead, we preferred to generalize. This is a serious mistake. This is why we decided to clarify with those responsible. We do not want to attack anyone, nor do we have any interest in taking one side or the other. We would have behaved the same way with anyone.” For Di Vita, useless and dangerous exploitation must be avoided at all costs. «Otherwise those who would have to fight the mafia, even if unconsciously, would become one. We must be careful so that there is no risky promiscuity. The real problem is that someone wants to pass off the Anti-Mafia as an extra leg of a party. It would be a mistake, or rather an assist to crime.”
#victims #mafia #Tempo
**Interview with Pippo Di Vita: Families of Mafia Victims Demand Justice**
**Editor (Edoardo Sirignano):** Thank you for joining us today, Pippo. Your organization’s recent activities have garnered significant attention, particularly the protest at Palazzo Madama. Can you tell us what motivated this event from the perspective of the families of mafia victims?
**Pippo Di Vita:** Thank you for having me, Edoardo. The protest aimed to highlight the critical need for transparency and autonomy in the anti-mafia investigations. Families of victims are seeking the truth about the injustices that have plagued them for decades. They are not interested in political disputes; they simply want justice and clarity regarding their loved ones’ deaths.
**Editor:** It seems there’s a strong sentiment among families for the investigations to remain free from political intervention. Why is that so important?
**Pippo Di Vita:** Absolutely. Many families express distrust toward political agendas that can complicate or divert focus from the real goal: uncovering the truth. We want those in power to allow the anti-mafia agencies to conduct their work without interference or bias, as this is critical for healing and achieving justice for the victims.
**Editor:** You mentioned that the protest was just a small part of a larger movement. Can you elaborate on the support your organization has from other families?
**Pippo Di Vita:** Yes, while the protest showcased a limited group, it represents hundreds of families who are silently demanding justice but may not be able to speak out due to fear or other circumstances. Each family’s pain and quest for answers is valid, and we strive to amplify their voices. The list of families protesting is not exhaustive; it reflects only a fraction of a larger community yearning for accountability and closure.
**Editor:** What specific changes are you hoping to see in the current framework that deals with organized crime?
**Pippo Di Vita:** We want assurance that investigations will be handled without political bias, as well as access to the necessary documentation and testimonies that were historically obstructed. We are asking for a reform in how these cases are managed to prevent the cover-ups that have occurred in the past.
**Editor:** what message do you want to convey to the public and lawmakers regarding these issues?
**Pippo Di Vita:** Our message is simple: we must prioritize justice and truth over partisan politics. The lives lost to organized crime deserve our attention and, more importantly, an honest investigation. It’s time to put aside divisions and work together for the sake of those who have suffered the most.
**Editor:** Thank you, Pippo, for sharing such crucial insights. We hope your message reaches those in power and brings about the changes you and the families seek.
**Pippo Di Vita:** Thank you, Edoardo. We appreciate the opportunity to speak out.
