Rome rally to recall innocent victims of the mafia.

Italy on Thursday marks the Day of Remembrance for Innocent Victims of the Mafia, a national day held each year on 21 March.

Thousands of people from all over Italy are expected to attend a major anti-mafia rally in Rome, organised by the Libera and Avviso Pubblico organisations.

The Roma città libera procession will leave Piazza Esquilino at 09.00 before arriving at the Circus Maximus where the names of all the 1,081 innocent victims of the mafia will be read out.

#Romacittàlibera: domani, 21/3, la Giornata della Memoria e dell'Impegno in ricordo delle vittime innocenti delle mafie.

Alle 9 partenza corteo da piazza dell’Esquilino al Circo Massimo.

Divieti di sosta, chiusure e deviazioni bus.

Info https://t.co/fydoOVDzaR pic.twitter.com/omfFOdXr05

— Roma (@Roma) March 20, 2024

The march will be led by hundreds of relatives of innocent victims of the mafia who will be joined by various groups and representatives of state institutions, trade unions, schools, culture and sport.

The innocent mafia victims include ordinary citizens, judges, journalists, police officers, priests, business people, trade unionists, politicians and public administrators.

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The founder and president of Libera, Father Luigi Ciotti, will give the final speech at the event which is supported by the city of Rome.

The rally will lead to traffic disruption and bus detours along the route.

This year marks the 29th edition of the annual commemoration - a national day but not a public holiday - which has been recognised by the Italian state since 2017.

Photo La Repubblica