Italian checkpoints are intended to impede mob violence

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An Italian police officer signals for a vehicle to pull off the road to be searched and have identity checks done on driver and any occupants. Italy’s government has deployed more than 500 Italian soldiers to the Naples area to help police combat mafia-related crimes.


Italian checkpoints are intended to impede mob violence
By Sandra Jontz, Stars and Stripes
European edition, Saturday, October 11, 2008

CASAL DI PRINICIPE, Italy — With the flick of the lollipop stick, the car slowed and pulled into the parking lot of the stadium in the Neapolitan suburb of Casal di Principe — a mob stronghold.

"License and documents," an Italian police officer told the driver, who quickly furnished the requested material.

At many street corners throughout suburbs of Naples and Caserta, police and military personnel have set up checkpoints as part of a controversial plan by the Italian government to combat mafia-related crimes and killings in the Naples area.

The government sent 500 soldiers to augment police forces and provide security while police stop, check and search suspicious cars that might be trafficking wanted personnel, weapons or drugs, officials said.

Italian officials spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorized to make public comment.


Rest of article at: http://www.stripes.com/article.asp?section=104&article=58060