Italy fights against organized and petty crimes

Italy battles against organized crime and petty crimes, in particular targeting violence against women.

Photo: Italy fights against organized and petty crimes

Premier Romano Prodi met with top ministers to discuss government measures, due to be formulated in three weeks, concerning initiatives to combat organized crime and more general cases of illegal activities.

The city of Florence has already taken a first step, mounting a crackdown on squeegee men, or people who wash drivers' windshields and then demand payment. And just this week the Sicilian chapter of Italy's business association vowed to expel industrialists who pay the "pizzo" extortion fee to the Mafia.

A statement from Prodi's office said the government measures would pay particular attention to prevention and to the fight against violent crimes targeting women.