Avola, a small town in Sicily, made a powerful statement against violence on April 30, 2025, as citizens gathered for a significant procession that united the community in solidarity. The event was organized in response to a brutal attack on two young girls, Michela and Mbaye, both around 14 years old, which occurred in the area known as the "24 metri." This incident involved not only physical violence but also verbal abuse, including racist insults directed at one of the victims.
The march began at Piazza Allende and concluded at Piazza Baden Powell, symbolizing a collective stand against violence and a reaffirmation of respect within the community. Mayor Rossana Cannata, who met with the victims and their families prior to the procession, expressed the importance of community support. "We cannot and must not remain indifferent in the face of violence. Building networks, looking each other in the eye, and finding courage and hope is the commitment we have made as a community," she stated.
The turnout for the procession was impressive, with a diverse mix of citizens, students, local authorities, and representatives from various institutions participating. Alongside Michela and Mbaye were their mothers, Anna and Emilie—who bravely intervened during the attack—and a significant number of families who chose to stand together against such acts of aggression. The event was not just a demonstration; it was a heartfelt declaration that Avola is a strong, united community that stands firm against violence.
As the procession moved through the streets, participants chanted slogans like "No to violence, yes to respect," reinforcing their commitment to building a safer environment for all. The presence of local leaders, including the Prefect of Siracusa Giovanni Signer and Bishop of the Diocese of Noto Mons. Salvatore Rumeo, highlighted the broad support for this cause and the collective resolve to foster a culture of legality, responsibility, and humanity.
In the wake of these troubling events, the association Libera Avola also issued a strong condemnation of the violence. They emphasized that such acts leave deep wounds in the dignity, safety, and freedom of young victims. Libera called for a collective responsibility to address the underlying issues that contribute to such violence, stating, "We must not limit ourselves to commenting or condemning. We need to react with concrete and lasting actions."
The association pointed out that bullying and youth violence are symptoms of broader community issues, including isolation, lack of listening, absence of educational references, and the legitimization of abuse. They urged local institutions, including the municipal administration and law enforcement, to move beyond immediate responses and commit to a sustained, shared effort to address these challenges.
Libera proposed several concrete actions to combat youth violence, including enhancing social services, increasing educational presence in communities, investing in social, family, and school policies, and promoting a culture of legality and respect. They offered their volunteers to collaborate with local institutions and citizens to create initiatives that foster listening, prevention, and the reconstruction of a more just and cohesive social fabric.
Mayor Cannata echoed these sentiments during the procession, stating, "The aggression that targeted these young girls cannot and must not leave us indifferent. The city's response has been clear: Avola is a strong community that does not stand by idly but affirms legality, responsibility, and humanity with conviction."
The procession served as a reminder that the community of Avola is committed to standing against violence in all its forms and is willing to take action to ensure the safety and dignity of its young people. The overwhelming support for the victims and the collective determination to address the root causes of such violence reflect a community ready to work together for change.
In conclusion, Avola's march against violence was not just a response to a specific incident but a broader commitment to fostering a culture of respect and solidarity. The community's resolve to support its youth and combat violence signifies a hopeful step towards a more inclusive and compassionate society.
