«I express the firmest and most indignant condemnation for the vile act of vandalism carried out against the red bench dedicated to Maria Rosaria Sessa, the first city symbol against violence against women installed in November 2017 by the Cosenza Press Club».
Thus the mayor of Cosenza Franz Caruso after the damage to the red bench located in the MAB area, on the pedestrian area of Corso Mazzini.
«A serious, offensive and intolerable gesture – added the mayor – which affects not only a public good, but above all the civil and social value that that bench represents: the memory of a journalist victim of femicide and the daily commitment against all forms of gender violence».
“The red bench will be restored”
Franz Caruso expressed his closeness to the Maria Rosaria Sessa Press Club, to the president Franco Rosito and to the entire board of directors, who have been engaged for years in activities to raise awareness and promote the culture of respect and legality.
«The Municipality of Cosenza will contribute to the rearrangement of the red bench so that it can be returned to the city in its most authentic and profound meaning as soon as possible. We will not allow such incidents to erase or weaken such important symbols.”
More controls and video surveillance
The mayor also announced a meeting with the Municipal Police Command to strengthen controls in the MAB area and the Corso Mazzini pedestrian area.
The measures being studied also include the installation of video surveillance cameras. «It appears fundamental – underlined Franz Caruso – to equip the area with a control system to protect the urban heritage, the symbols of collective memory and the serenity of citizens».
«Defending that red bench – concluded the mayor – means defending the values of respect, civility and the fight against violence against women. And we will not take a single step back on these values.”