But one day in , he decided: no more. Along with 10 other migrant business owners, Nayeem, who asked to go by a pseudonym as his case is still going through the courts, went to the police. It was the first case in Sicily where migrant shop owners decided to confront the Mafia and inform the authorities. The Mafia has been linked with corrupt practices at migrant reception centers in Italy. The threats started around Putting glue in the locks of doors is a common tactic used by the Mafia to intimidate store owners.
Next, some of its members started turning up outside his store, behaving aggressively towards his customers. After that, Nayeem began to pay. Some weeks it was 10, or 20 euros, other weeks, 50 euros. Paying the pizzo is common practice in Sicily.
When Nayeem heard about the work of Addiopizzo, he inquired whether they could help him and fellow migrant business owners. Chiara Utro, an Addiopizzo spokesperson, said the call was unexpected. For the first time, foreign people knocked at our door asking for some help.
Addiopizzo advised them to unite and go to the police collectively to issue a formal complaint. The movement said it encourages businesses to act collectively to prevent the Mafia from targeting individuals. The strategy worked: Shortly afterward, the police arrested nine members of the Mafia and charged them with a series of offenses, including extortion, robbery, arson and assault. Mayor of Palermo Leoluca Orlando said he believes the Mafia has lost power over the city. Orlando is more familiar than most with the workings of the Cosa Nostra.
Today, he has two bodyguards but said he no longer lives in fear. But you cannot make a comparison with before. In the past, I had many bodyguards, a helicopter, an ambulance, a secure car. Sicilian photojournalist Francesco Bellina has been following the activities of the Mafia for some years.
