Demonstrators will take to the
streets in downtown Naples on Saturday to protest unpoliced
fires to burn toxic and illegal waste.
Angelo Ferrillo, president of the Land of Fires association
- the group organizing the protest - said that "the burning of
toxic waste and illicit disposal-recycling continue undisturbed
" despite announced public efforts to fight the so-called
ecomafia in the area between Naples and Caserta.
The illegal burning of toxic waste in the area has led to
it being dubbed the "land of fires".
With 90 clans and 4,000 affiliates active in the region,
the powerful Naples-based Camorra mafia has long infiltrated the
rubbish-collection industry and has raked in huge profits even
as its illegal dumps and uncontrolled burning of waste and other
toxic materials have been blamed for unusually high levels of
cancer and other disease linked to pollution that will plague
future generations.
The Land of Fires association has asked the Naples
prefecture to face sit with them at a table to address how the
issue is being tackled.
In March, Interior Minister Angelino Alfano said the
government was sending 100 military troops to fight the
phenomenon.
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © Copyright ANSA
