Citizen patrols in Italy: the state gives up its monopoly on violence
Residents of Viareggio, Massafra and Genoa are taking security into their own hands amid police inaction. Self-defence or an escalation of violence?
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Citizen patrols in Italy: when the neighbourhood gets tired of waiting for the state
How far can Italian citizens' frustration with safety in their neighbourhoods go? In Viareggio, Massafra and Genoa, groups of residents have started patrolling the streets over what they see as a chronic absence of the police.
Three incidents that lit the fuse
In Viareggio, a group of young men detained a North African man who had threatened two elderly women with a knife. In Massafra, a group took reprisals against a drunk Pakistani man who was harassing women. In Genoa's San Fruttuoso district, residents attacked a Segarro minor housed in a community centre. In all three cases, those involved justified their actions by the lack of a police response.
From exasperation to self-defence: the debate
The phenomenon is not new, but it is growing in intensity. Supporters argue that the state has failed in its duty to protect, and that citizens cannot wait indefinitely. At the other end, critics warn of the risk that these patrols could turn into vigilante justice and escalations of violence that are hard to control. Meloni's government has not officially commented on these specific cases.
The Italian state, which was supposed to guarantee the monopoly on violence, seems to have handed over the night shift.
How far can Italian citizens' frustration with safety in their neighbourhoods go? In Viareggio, Massafra and Genoa, groups of residents have started patrolling the streets over what they see as a chronic absence of the police.
Three incidents that lit the fuse
In Viareggio, a group of young men detained a North African man who had threatened two elderly women with a knife. In Massafra, a group took reprisals against a drunk Pakistani man who was harassing women. In Genoa's San Fruttuoso district, residents attacked a Segarro minor housed in a community centre. In all three cases, those involved justified their actions by the lack of a police response.
From exasperation to self-defence: the debate
The phenomenon is not new, but it is growing in intensity. Supporters argue that the state has failed in its duty to protect, and that citizens cannot wait indefinitely. At the other end, critics warn of the risk that these patrols could turn into vigilante justice and escalations of violence that are hard to control. Meloni's government has not officially commented on these specific cases.
The Italian state, which was supposed to guarantee the monopoly on violence, seems to have handed over the night shift.
Also available in: Deutsch
Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (17 replies).
More summaries
-
Spain hits back at Italy with border checks
Spain is introducing border checks on travellers from Italy after Meloni refused to lift her measures. Reciprocity at the height of the tourist season.
-
Alvise backs EU chat control, unsettling the right
Alvise Pérez votes for EU chat control, drawing criticism from the right, which accuses him of betraying his anti-establishment stance.
-
You Are GUILTY: Who's Really to Blame for Sexual Violence in Spain?
Can an internet forum be held responsible for a rape? The debate over guilt, immigration and hate speech following the Noelia case in Spain.
-
Living in a car in Spain is doable and cheap, but far from problem-free
Is living in a car actually viable? We look at the pros, cons and real stories of people who have tried it in Spain.
-
May 13: Feast of Our Lady of Fátima (1917)
A critical analysis of the Fátima apparitions: the debate over the prophecies, the theory that Sister Lucy was an impostor, and their possible exploitation today.
-
Daily Rosary prayer at 10 p.m.: a tradition that endures in the digital age
Every night at 10 p.m., a group of faithful pray the Rosary online. Duration: 25-30 minutes. Marian promises and a list of intentions. A tradition that has adapted.