Francesca Rispoli (Libera): The “Fools” of the Anti-Mafia who defy Omertà

In the history of the anti-mafia movement, madness has a female face. The first among those considered “mad” is that of Serafina Battaglia, a pioneer among justice witnesses in Italy. In the 1960s, she revealed the illicit dealings of the Sicilian Mafia to the judiciary and took the bosses who had murdered her husband and son to court. To her relatives, she was nothing but a madwoman; a liar to be cast out! Yet, Serafina paved the way for dozens of women who would go on to break the code of silence, and built a network of protection and support around these rebels is the mission of Libera, Nomi e Numeri Contro le Mafie [Libera: Names and Numbers against the Mafia], the association founded by Father Luigi Ciotti. We spoke with its president, Francesca Rispoli.

Who Are the “Fools” of the Anti-Mafia?

They are daughters, sisters, and wives of mafiosi. In almost every situation, they are driven by the love for their children and are willing to change their lives and identities. The tragic reality is that not all of them are granted this chance. Those who do not fall under the legal status of “witnesses” or “collaborators” of justice—meaning those who are not directly involved in trials against the Mafia—are excluded from the protection program.

What risks do these women face?

If they cannot change their names and identities, they can be found and killed. There is no law that protects them, nor does any public funding that support them. What exists is only a protective network built by our volunteers, through the project “Liberi di scegliere” [Free to Choose], which currently supports 50 people. This number has the potential of positively influencing other families.

In practical Terms, how does the project work?

For those who dissociate themselves from this criminality, the possibility is considered of removing minors and women from their respective families, temporarily relocating them to other regions of Italy.

Who Finances the Project?

This is part of the problem. It is a self-funded network, with contributions from the Italian Episcopal Conference. The Pope has met with these women, and the Church recognizes their courage. However, without a law in place, it is difficult to move forward.

Will a law arrive?

The committee by the name “Culture of Legality and Protection of Minors” within the Parliamentary Anti-Mafia Commission is working on it. The law would provide women and minors with legal protection, healthcare, and job placement. These women do not ask for money; they want to work and send their children to school without being tracked down. We hope that the law will soon make its way to Parliament.

By Carmen Vogani
A Journalist and author