Statement from the Committee for Solidarity with Fabrizio

On 25th November, the management of Trenitalia failed to appear at the trial against Fabrizio Acanfora*. It did not even bother to provide any excuse for its absence, which is comment enough. In Rome, however, dozens of rail workers did show up, together with local transport workers and workers from other areas. All came in order to show their solidarity with our comrade Fabrizio, and to show their indignation in the face of such an attack on the freedom of expression and union freedoms in this country.

In the meantime, messages of support and signatures continue to arrive, some from very far off indeed. We have been struck by this demonstration of solidarity and we wish to thank all those, in Italy and abroad, who have been prepared to join in this battle which, we repeat, is only starting.

We remind all our comrades that workplace repression in Italy is getting worse and does not only affect rail workers. It will be necessary to mobilize permanently, even on an international level, in order to defeat this attack and to create the conditions for a real renewal of workers' struggles.

It is our wish that all those who have participated in the solidarity campaign for Fabrizio Acanfora do not lower their guard and that they continue with the struggle for wages, rights and union democracy. That is where our efforts will be directed.

Genoa, 27th November 2004

- Committee for Solidarity with Fabrizio Acanfora

- Network of Rail Workers in Struggle