Lecce anarchists

from email, 8 October 2008: Anarchists in Lecce, Southern Italy, face a new trial by a vengeful state after their efforts helped lead to nearby San Foca immigration detention centre being closed down. ... Consumers of fear in a world of insecurity: this is what they want us to be. In order to achieve this goal and defend their power and privileges the States inculcate people with fake fears and create imaginary monsters... more

from email, July 21 2007: On July 12th 2007, the sentences were announced in the first degree of the “Operation Nighttime” trial against the anarchists of Lecce and the province. They were acquitted of “subversive association” but four companions were convicted of “association to commit a crime”. more

from email, 8 July 2007: As a lot of people receiving this e-mail will be aware, a couple of years ago, in May 2005, a number of anarchists from Lecce where arrested accused of terrorism (initially five people were arrested but then others were dragged into the investigation as the police investigation continued). more

The hearing held on November 23 finished much earlier than expected. The judge was very disappointed that the public prosecutor failed to bring his final witnesses to court, so he postponed the hearing to January 18. A request for permission to work presented by Salvatore’s lawyer was rejected. The comrade, however, read a declaration, which was also signed by some other co-defendants. more

In the last few weeks and months there has been a dramatic increase in state repression of social movements. From everywhere on earth we are hearing stories of beatings, imprisonment, torture, sexual abuse, raids, arrests and other violence against those who resist political, social and economic domination of their lives and destruction of their planet. more

May 12th 2005, Lecce, southern Italy: one hundred and fifty cops, backed by helicopters and anti-explosive units, raid the houses of 16 anarchists and arrest five of them on charges of 'subversive association'. Salvatore, Saverio and Cristian are held in prison, whereas Marina and Annalisa are under house arrest. more