Italy’s Parliament has unanimously passed a new law giving the families of mafia members help to leave.
Family members under 25 and their mothers can seek assistance with housing, education, and counselling, so they can separate themselves from the organised crime networks.
Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said the policy will “offer an alternative of freedom for those born into mafia families who do not want to grow up to become a mafioso,” or a member of the mafia.
How will it work?
Background
While the mafia is often associated with movies and TV shows, Italy is still home to prominent mafia organisations.
Three of the largest are ‘Ndrangheta in Calabria, Sicily-based La Cosa Nostra, and Camorra in Campania.
These organised crime groups are involved in drug trafficking, gambling, fraud, and money laundering.
Often, groups are connected by family and leadership is passed down through bloodlines, making it difficult for people to leave the mafia.
‘Free to Choose’
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Last week, Italian Parliament unanimously passed the “Liberi di Scegliere” (Free to Choose) law.
It provides the children (aged under 25) of mafia members and their guardians with protection and assistance to leave.
Under the law, the Government will support them to move away by providing housing, travel expenses, employment, legal aid, education, training and psychological help.
Personal details, including names, can also be changed.
"Children, young people and women will have the chance to choose their own path and the state will provide them with the necessary protection to build a free, honest and safe life elsewhere," Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said in a statement.
Other responses
Opposition MP Anthony Barbagallo said the policy was “investing in young people, freedom and education, to continue the fight against the mafia.”
In 2012, Judge Roberto di Bella began a pilot program to help women and children leave the mafia in Calabria, where ‘Ndrangheta is based.
He told The Guardian the law is “enormously important” with potential to “genuinely transform the lives of hundreds of women and children.”
