On Wednesday evening, April 16, 2025, a shocking incident unfolded at the Galatina train station in Italy, where a 17-year-old boy was brutally attacked by a group of minors, including girls. This violent episode, which was filmed and later shared on social media, has ignited outrage and concern over the rising trend of youth violence in the region.
The victim, who has serious health issues and is 100% disabled due to diabetes, was surrounded and assaulted by what has been identified as the "gang del bosco"—a group of young people who have reportedly engaged in similar violent acts in the past. Witnesses to the attack saw the group using kicks, punches, and even a leather belt against the defenseless boy, who ultimately fell to the ground, unable to protect himself.
According to reports, the attack was initiated over trivial reasons, with a simple word sparking the group’s aggression. The violence escalated quickly, and the attackers showed no mercy, continuing their assault despite the boy's pleas for them to stop. The incident was filmed by a girl who appeared to be a friend of one of the attackers, saying, "I have to film everything, today we are with the gang del bosco... Amo, inside there are cameras," just moments before the assault began.
After the attack, the boy was taken to the hospital where he underwent a CT scan and was diagnosed with a prognosis of 25 days for his physical injuries, alongside significant psychological trauma. Initially reluctant to discuss the incident, he eventually recounted the ordeal to his mother, who noticed bruises and wounds on her son the following morning.
Determined to seek justice, the mother filed a complaint with the Galatina police, accompanied by lawyers Vito Antonio Margari and Carmela De Mattia. The video that captured the entire incident has proven crucial for the ongoing investigation, as it provides clear evidence of the attack and the identities of the assailants, who are believed to be part of a larger organized group.
The police have already identified several members of the gang, which reportedly includes about ten minors, some of whom are as young as 14 and have been previously known for acts of vandalism. The gang has also been linked to another violent incident that occurred just days before the attack on the 17-year-old, where a minor was beaten and stripped.
This incident has raised alarms among local authorities and mental health professionals. Giuseppe Vinci, president of the Order of Psychologists in Puglia, expressed deep concern over the social and emotional state of some young people today. He stated, "The violence we are witnessing is not merely a prank or a simple act of bullying. It is an aggression that involves complex psychological aspects, including group dynamics and a disregard for vulnerability. This behavior reflects a troubling trend where violence is seen as a means of self-assertion."
Vinci emphasized the need for educational and family environments to address these issues proactively. He noted, "It is not enough to condemn the incident or punish those responsible; we need to invest more in emotional education, teaching young people to recognize and manage their emotions and fostering respect for diversity. Schools and families must become safe spaces for dialogue and growth, supported by professionals who can intervene before vulnerability turns into violence."
The incident has also drawn reactions from political figures and youth organizations. Andrea Gaetani, a provincial leader of Gioventù Nazionale, condemned the attack, stating, "As young people, we are deeply outraged by the brutal violence inflicted on a 17-year-old with disabilities by a gang of minors. The phenomenon of youth gangs is unfortunately on the rise, with increasing incidents of violence and bullying becoming almost fashionable among some groups."
Gaetani pointed out the alarming trend of minors emulating violent behaviors, often fueled by social media, which can turn into platforms for showcasing such aggression rather than condemning it. He remarked, "We are witnessing a disturbing reality where acts of violence are shared online for likes and attention. We, as Gioventù Nazionale, are launching a campaign against the culture of youth gangs, promoting a petition to raise awareness of this issue within the Lecce province."
As the investigation continues, the community is left grappling with the implications of this incident. The call for collective action is louder than ever, as educators, families, and local authorities seek to address the root causes of such violence and work towards a safer environment for all young people.
In the wake of this brutal attack, the need for a comprehensive approach to youth violence has never been clearer. It is vital that communities come together to provide support, education, and resources to prevent such tragedies from occurring in the future.
