It was once just a gate, immersed among the olive trees of the Calabrian countryside. Today it has become a place of memory but also of resistance. It is here, in the Montalto district in Limbadi, that Maria Chindamo He was kidnapped on May 6, 2016. Since then, no one has heard anymore. Nine years later, that same rusty gate opens ideally to hope: students, institutions, magistrates, witnesses of justice, law enforcement and citizens have gathered in a collective embrace that does not only ask for truth, but with courage that the state is there, and will continue to be there.
To attend the ceremony the prosecutor of Vibo Valentia Camillo Falvothe undersecretary inside Wanda Ferrothe children of Mary, the brother Vincenzo Chindamothe vice -president of the regional council Filippo Pietropaolothe regional councilor Maria Stefania Caracciolothe bishop Attilio Nostrathe Prefect of Vibo Valentia Aurora Colosimo. Among those present the songwriter Dario Brunoriengaged in the “One 100 thousand” Association. In the middle of the rain and applause, a symbolic monument was inaugurated: a spiral in iron, colorful and dynamic, made by the artist Luigi Camarilla.
Vibo prosecutor read the message sent by the Minister of Justice Carlo Nordio. “This day – wrote the Guardasigilli – represents the affirmation of the presence of the state in a territory where the ‘Ndrangheta has dictated law for years”. «I know well – added Falvo – this gate and these lands. We listened to collaborators who talked about Maria’s case, we instructed the trial, today in the Court of Assizes in Catanzaro. Years ago it was impossible even just appointing certain names. Today, however, the state is here, and the change is visible ».
Speaking of the woman’s children he said he met them several times: «They grow up with the love of those close to them. Maria is the symbol of those who gave life to resist organized crime ». “The witnesses of justice – said Wanda Ferro, undersecretary inside – are the beating heart of our courage. As Sant’Agostino said, hope has two children: the indignation for injustices and courage to change them. Vincenzo Chindamo has been able to transform pain into hope. The state has never forgotten it, and today it is here to say that it will continue to be there ». “They wanted to scare us – said Maria’s brother Vincenzo – dividing us, sowing terror. Instead today I see the meaning of the state, I see it in the students, in the magistrates, in citizens. We said: just fear. We check this land. And today, together, we succeeded ».