The Campo dei Fiori, a bustling market square in the heart of Rome, has reopened after being closed for two days due to extortion attempts by the Mafia..
Rome’s mayor, Roberto Gualtieri, hailed the reopening as a victory for the city and its citizens..
“Today, the Campo dei Fiori is once again a symbol of legality, of the State that does not bow to the arrogance of criminals,” Gualtieri said..
The market square was closed on Tuesday after vendors received threatening letters demanding protection money. The letters, signed by the “Casalesi Clan,” a powerful Mafia group based in the Campania region of southern Italy, demanded €50,000 (US$52,000) from each vendor..
The vendors, who are mostly small business owners, refused to pay and reported the extortion attempts to the police..
The police launched an investigation and increased their patrols in the area. They also installed surveillance cameras and set up checkpoints to deter any further criminal activity..
On Wednesday, the police arrested three men suspected of being involved in the extortion attempts. The men are all members of the Casalesi Clan and have been charged with extortion and criminal association..
The reopening of the Campo dei Fiori is a sign that the city is fighting back against organized crime. It is a victory for the vendors who stood up to the Mafia’s extortion attempts and for the citizens of Rome who want to live in a safe and prosperous city..
The Campo dei Fiori is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Rome. It is known for its colorful market stalls, which sell everything from fresh produce to flowers to souvenirs. The market is also home to several restaurants and bars..
The closure of the Campo dei Fiori was a major blow to the local economy. The market is a major source of income for the vendors who work there and the businesses that surround it..
The reopening of the market is a welcome sign that life is returning to normal in Rome. It is a victory for the city and its citizens and a sign that the Mafia will not be tolerated in the Eternal City..