“Confronting the Italian Mafia: A Continuing Struggle”

The fight against organized crime has been a long-standing battle for many countries around the world. In Italy, this battle has been especially difficult due to the pervasive presence of the Mafia, specifically the ‘ndrangheta. However, one man has been leading a cultural revolution against this criminal organization – claudio La camera.
La camera, a native of the Calabrian town of Reggio Calabria, has been at the forefront of the anti-Mafia movement for decades. His unwavering dedication and determination to bring down the ‘ndrangheta have earned him the respect and admiration of many. But it is not just his actions that have made him a hero in the fight against organized crime, it is also his positive and optimistic attitude.
In 2010, La camera, along with a group of other activists, founded the “Gallo d’Oro” (Golden Rooster) association, dedicated to honoring and promoting the culture and traditions of Calabria. The association’s initial goal was to shine a spotlight on the beauty of Calabria and its people, rather than the negative headlines that often dominated the media due to the Mafia’s actions. However, their efforts quickly evolved into a cultural revolution against the ‘ndrangheta.
One of La camera‘s most notable achievements in this cultural revolution is the “I Miti della ‘ndrangheta” (The Myths of the ‘ndrangheta) project. This multimedia exhibition, held in Reggio Calabria in 2013, aimed to dispel the glamorization and romanticization of the Mafia by portraying the harsh reality of their criminal activities and the devastating effects on the community. The exhibition featured testimonies from Mafia turncoats, artworks denouncing the Mafia, and images of confiscated assets. The project was a huge success, with thousands of people attending and raising awareness about the true face of the ‘ndrangheta.
La camera‘s efforts have also extended to educational programs aimed at young people. In 2017, he launched the “La Cultura batte la ‘ndrangheta” (Culture beats the ‘ndrangheta) project, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education. The project promotes the values of honesty, legality, and solidarity in schools, through theatrical performances, workshops, and conferences. This not only raises awareness about the dangers and consequences of Mafia involvement but also encourages young people to reject the Mafia’s appeal and choose a better path in life.
In 2018, La camera‘s dedication and hard work were recognized by the Italian government when he was appointed the President of the “museo della ‘ndrangheta” (Museum of the ‘ndrangheta). This museum, located in the heart of Reggio Calabria, is the first of its kind in Italy and aims to educate visitors about the history, structure, and criminal activities of the ‘ndrangheta. La camera‘s leadership has helped the museum become a symbol of hope and a testament to the determination of the Calabrian people to break free from the grip of the Mafia.
However, in his fight against the Mafia, La camera has faced numerous challenges and even personal attacks. In 2013, he was falsely accused and arrested in the so-called “processo La camera” (La camera trial). Despite being acquitted of all charges, the experience did not deter him, but rather fueled his determination to continue his fight against the ‘ndrangheta.
In 2019, La camera was finally granted justice when the former boss of the ‘ndrangheta, Vincenzo Macri, was sentenced to 21 years in prison for defamation and threats against La camera. This verdict was not only a victory for La camera but for all those fighting against the Mafia.
Thanks to claudio La camera‘s relentless efforts, the cultural revolution against the ‘ndrangheta is gaining momentum. His positive attitude, despite the challenges he has faced, serves as an inspiration to many who believe that a brighter future free from organized crime is possible. As La camera himself stated, “We must not be afraid to say no to the Mafia, but instead, we must say yes to a culture of legality and beauty.”