05 November 2024
A misleading, inappropriate and above all dangerous example for younger people. Because if making mistakes is legitimate, persevering is diabolical and requires a series of immediate countermoves. The news, first reported yesterday by our newspaper, of the screening of the film “Pensando ad Anna” on the third day of the Festival dei Popoli in Florence, raised a real fuss. A film that narrates the events of the former terrorist Pasquale Abatangelo, protagonist of the main revolts that shook Italian prisons in the 1970s.
Born in 1950 on the banks of the Arno to a family of southern origin, he first founded the Nap, acronym for Proletarian Armed Nuclei, and then joined the Red Brigades. Abatangelo was one of the thirteen political prisoners whose release the Red Brigades requested in exchange for the release of Aldo Moro. The aspect that made his presence absolutely inappropriate was his belief that the armed struggle was a necessary step, however painful. Abatangelo never repented or dissociated himself, he served twenty years of prison, six of semi-liberty and four years of probation. Proudly convinced of being on the side of reason.
A prototype light years away from the figure of the teacher or narrator capable of telling, with objectivity, such a delicate piece of Italian history. The deputy secretary of Forza Italia, Deborah Bergamini, announced that she had presented a parliamentary question: «Freedom is not the absence of limits. For this reason, the presence of Pasquale Abatangelo at the Festival dei Popoli in Florence, never repentant or dissociated from the brigatism of the 70s, is unacceptable. It is disconcerting that all this can be traced back to the eternal return of the same, that is, the left’s exhibitions of double standards: it subjects the actions of others to infinite trials of the intentions, while blatantly doing whatever it wants at home.” Dismay and the need to intervene were highlighted by the FdI deputy, Giovanni Donzelli: «The participation of the terrorist Pasquale Abatangelo is an intolerable horror. No space for those who contributed to writing one of the bloodiest pages in Italian history. An invitation that the institutions must condemn firmly and without any delay.” Fdi senator Paolo Marcheschi is also on the same line: «A bad maestro takes the chair at the Festival dei Popoli in Florence. The Red Brigades wanted to subvert the State, today they participate in initiatives that draw funding from the State.”
The deputy of the Carroccio, Eduardo Ziello, was also peremptory: «It is very serious that for the Tuscan institutions the presence of such a person at a public initiative does not constitute a reason for inappropriateness and embarrassment». A slap in the face to Florence and Tuscany that did not go unnoticed even in Brussels. Susanna Ceccardi, MEP of the League, announced that she had presented «an urgent question to the European Commission to understand how much and what EU funding was given to the Festival dei Popoli to advertise a character who shot at the carabinieri and never dissociated himself from armed struggle.”
There were also numerous reactions at a local level. In the Region, Sandra Bianchini (adviser of Fdi) and Marco Stella (group leader of Forza Italia) presented a question to governor Giani “to understand who has viewed the event program”. At Palazzo Vecchio, if the Fdi council group invited Mayor Funaro to “express regret”, the councilors of the Schmidt List asked themselves “why the Municipality supports the initiative”. The position taken by the group leader of Italia Viva, Francesco Casini, is politically significant: «This is a decision that risks hurting the sensitivity of citizens and the families of the victims».
#Intolerable #horror #case #Parliament #Tempo
**Interview with Pasquale Abatangelo at the Festival dei Popoli**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Pasquale. You have a storied past as a key figure in the Italian left-wing militant movements. What does your participation in this year’s Festival dei Popoli mean to you?
**Pasquale Abatangelo:** Thank you for having me. My presence here is a reflection of a long-standing commitment to discuss the complexities of our history. It’s important to understand the context in which actions were taken in the past, especially during a tumultuous period like the 1970s in Italy. I believe it’s crucial to engage in these dialogues, regardless of how uncomfortable they may be for some.
**Interviewer:** There has been significant controversy around your attendance, with statements from various political figures calling your participation inappropriate. How do you respond to the critiques of your presence at the festival?
**Pasquale Abatangelo:** I understand the concerns raised, especially by those who view history through a more traditional lens. However, I argue that avoiding difficult conversations doesn’t lead to healing or understanding. We must confront our past, not shy away from it. I hope that sharing my perspective can contribute to a more nuanced discussion.
**Interviewer:** Critics have referred to you as embodying a “dangerous example” for younger generations. Do you think your story sends a positive or negative message to them?
**Pasquale Abatangelo:** I believe that every story—especially one filled with mistakes and lessons learned—can serve as a powerful teaching tool. Mistakes are part of growth, and an honest discussion about them can help the younger generation understand the consequences of political extremism, the importance of critical thinking, and the value of dialogue over violence.
**Interviewer:** You’ve spent considerable time in prison and have been unrepentant about your past. How do you reconcile that part of your life with your present engagements?
**Pasquale Abatangelo:** Life experiences, even the most painful and regrettable ones, shape who we are. I do not dissociate from my past actions, but I also believe in the opportunity to learn and evolve. At the festival, my goal is to present a narrative that encourages reflection rather than glorification of violence.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, if there’s one message you want attendees of the Festival dei Popoli to take away from your participation, what would it be?
**Pasquale Abatangelo:** I want them to remember that history is complex and multifaceted. By engaging with it critically and empathetically, we can all contribute to a more informed and peaceful society. Let’s focus on dialogue, understanding, and the lessons we can learn from the past. Thank you.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Pasquale, for sharing your thoughts with us.
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This interview reflects the complex nature of Abatangelo’s past and highlights the ongoing debates about history, memory, and dialogue in contemporary society.
