Municipality of Ferrara launches 'Anti-Maranza Unit'

(ANSA) - ROME, 22 OTT - In the northern Italian city of Ferrara, the "NAM" (Anti-Maranza Unit) has been established—a task force created by the municipal government of this Emilian city to combat the phenomenon, serving as the first experiment of its kind nationwide, announced Mayor Alan Fabbri of the right-wing League party. Maranzas are disaffected youth, often second-generation Italians of North African heritage, who affect wannabe gangsta rapper garb and engage in street crime, most recently in shocking youth riots in Milan last weekend. The NAM will see the Municipality of Ferrara take the lead, involving lawyers, psychologists, social workers, local police, and security experts, Fabbri said. The announcement comes in light of recent news events that have led to devastation in various Italian cities, such as those seen in Bologna and Milan. The unit will focus on prevention, as well as "monitoring and enforcement." Fabbri said he was responding to the concerns of families and business owners. The government's new decree in response to the youth street violence also targets maranzas. "I had already raised the alarm about the 'maranza' some time ago," the mayor explains, "because we recognized it as an issue that could not be downplayed—one that had to be addressed. And that is exactly what will happen in Ferrara: in the coming weeks, the 'NAM'—the Anti-Maranza Unit—will become operational. The Municipality of Ferrara will be at the forefront of this initiative, which will also involve lawyers, psychologists, social workers, the local police, and security experts." "This operational unit, which will focus on prevention, monitoring, and enforcement, is also intended to provide a concrete response to the concerns that have emerged recently," he continues. "With this, Ferrara is responding—through tangible action—to the pleas for help and support from many parents, families, and business owners who are fearful due to the growing sense of insecurity, aggressive behavior, and a blatant disregard for the property and well-being of others." (ANSA).
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