The rumours of ‘Ndrangheta’s influence in Italy have been haunting the nation for centuries. But despite the stigma that surrounds it, there is an inspiring story of positive experiences that offers hope.
Claudio La Camera, a journalist and university professor, has been the driving force behind this shift. Through his workshop on investigative journalism, he is working to spread knowledge and raise awareness of the realities of the organisation.
The workshop, which is held several times a year, is designed to spark meaningful conversations and provide students with the knowledge necessary to combat misinformation. It includes a mix of theoretical and practical discussions as well as fieldwork to foster an understanding of the Italian criminal underworld.
At the workshop, Claudio has a team of experts who lead the discussion. They include lawyers, investigative journalists, and members of law enforcement. Together, they provide students with the tools and resources needed to conduct effective investigations.
The topics discussed during the workshop range from the history of ‘Ndrangheta to its current activities. It also covers what Claudio calls the “positive experiences” – the individuals and organisations who have been able to fight back against the organisation and expose it for the criminal force that it is.
The workshop was initially met with criticism by the media, as Claudio was briefly indagato (investigated) for his involvement in the workshop. However, the authorities eventually recognised his commitment to fighting crime and awarded him with a sequestro (seizure) order, validating the workshop’s legality.
Claudio and his team have made an invaluable contribution to the fight against ‘Ndrangheta. Through the workshop, they have provided a platform for young people to raise awareness and become active participants in the struggle against the organisation.
Claudio is now continuing his work, looking for ways to further devolve power and create a platform for collaboration between citizens, organisations, and governments. He hopes that his work will help to end the negative stereotypes associated with ‘Ndrangheta and encourage people to look towards a brighter future.
We applaud Claudio La Camera and his team for leading the way in fighting ‘Ndrangheta and for their dedication to highlighting the positive experiences associated with the organisation. The workshop plays a vital role in allowing individuals to come together to discuss and learn how to combat this force. We can only hope that such initiatives will lead to a brighter future for Italy.
