Poison in the sacramental wine: Pastor survives ‘Ndrangheta attack

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The priest in Cessaniti, a small town in Calabria, probably had more than one guardian angel at his side: Felice Palamara narrowly escaped a poison attack in his own church. The ‘Ndrangheta is probably behind the attack, Italian media report.

Palamara was about to take a sip of white wine during a holy communion when he noticed a sharp smell. The alarm bells immediately went off for him, and he called the police. Shortly afterwards the confirmation: the white wine and water were mixed with bleach.

Death threats after criticism of local politicians

Father Palamara had repeatedly criticized Italy’s largest mafia organization. Moreover, he repeatedly targeted corrupt local politicians. Their answers: death threats and multiple attacks on his car. But Palamara certainly isn’t hiding because of this. He posted a clear statement on social media: “My revenge is love, my shield is forgiveness, my armor is mercy… I will not dwell on obstacles, nor will I fear the darkness.”

Vibo Valentia province is controlled by the mafia, Palamara said. Vibo Valentia is considered a power center for the ‘Ndrangheta; the members live well camouflaged among the other locals. In September 2023, around 80 people were arrested in the province in an extensive operation.

Also represented in Switzerland

But ‘Ndrangheta members are not only based in Italy. Their network extends much further and reaches as far as Switzerland. With almost twenty active member cells, they can be found in almost every Swiss canton, while the Calabrian clans operate from their homeland. They mainly earn their money from the cocaine trade. They use Switzerland because of its rather loose laws on money laundering and arms trafficking.

Source: Blick