A-Infos (en) Italy, FAI, Umanita Nova #27-26 - War Is Already Here (ca, de, it, pt, tr)[machine translation]

On September 20th in Niscemi, the No MUOS Movement held a regional 
assembly to discuss the state of the ongoing conflict, the current 
reality of wartime repression, and the situation in Niscemi regarding 
the disastrous landslide and its dramatic impact on the daily lives of 
the town's residents. ---- The public event drew around forty 
participants, including a fair number of locals and comrades from the No 
F35 Trapani-Birgi Committee, accompanied by a Mexican comrade 
representing indigenous organizations.

Unfortunately, we must note the lack of interest in this initiative 
shown by the rest of the so-called "Sicilian Movement." I understand 
that, for many, the No MUOS cause no longer satisfies the urge for the 
limelight or dominance; it is viewed as a failed, rear-guard 
struggle-and thus unworthy of "revolutionary" consideration or electoral 
gain. These are shortsighted assessments that pretend not to grasp the 
gravity of the situation and the dangers of a military attack on our 
territory.

Beyond these modest observations of mine, the assembly was highly 
interesting in terms of the speeches and content shared. Discussions 
covered the psychological damage the war situation is inflicting on the 
population, the frequent use of psychotropic drugs, and the need for 
therapeutic support to cope with the fear of war.

This precariousness has been compounded by the landslide, which has 
further exacerbated the situation, taking a toll on the emotional 
well-being of children-and young girls in particular. They are 
struggling to experience their childhoods, finding it difficult to 
simply be visible and play in Niscemi's public square. There was 
extensive and blunt discussion regarding the deep disappointment felt by 
the local community at failing to prevent the construction of the MUOS 
system. This followed an intense period of struggle that culminated in 
road blockades intended to stop the vehicles of the Mafia-linked 
company-contracted to erect the satellite dishes-from passing; these 
vehicles were escorted and protected by the "forces of disorder," who 
facilitated the operation by charging at protesters and filing criminal 
complaints, effectively enabling the installation of these instruments 
of war. Subsequently, the citizens who had opposed MUOS faced legal 
charges and smear campaigns aimed at discrediting them.

Many young people left the town to seek work elsewhere; a deliberate 
campaign of slander orchestrated by those in power sowed discord within 
families, and many women were branded "whores" simply for participating 
in the No-MUOS movement.

All of this has generated-and continues to generate-a sense of unease 
and resignation among the population regarding the threat of war and the 
presence of the American base.

This repression-waged as if in a state of war-has relentlessly targeted 
activists; those who took part in the summer and winter protest camps 
were inundated with criminal charges and served with numerous expulsion 
orders banning them from the area. This situation was the subject of 
extensive debate; in particular, two speakers-a comrade from Catania and 
our own comrade Natale Musarra-discussed the charges of incitement to 
commit a crime and the expulsion orders served against them. These 
measures were a response to the speeches they had delivered outside Gate 
1 of the base, where they had reaffirmed that, sooner or later, we would 
return. These accounts vividly demonstrated the true nature of 
wartime-style repression. Our Mexican comrade reminded us of the 
similarities between Sicily and his homeland, where drug cartels and the 
military launch daily attacks against local communities fighting to 
protect the environment and build a society based on freedom and solidarity.

Here, the Mafia and the State constantly remind us that our present is 
defined by death and exploitation.

Comrades from the "No F35" movement came to build ties and foster 
convergence for upcoming demonstrations.

A key contribution came from engineer Albanelli-a native of Niscemi, 
despite working in the North like so many others-who detailed the 
history of Niscemi's hydrogeological instability, the current state of 
the landslide, and potential solutions. As a movement, we have committed 
to further study and possible future initiatives on this issue.

Above all, we discussed the state of war in which Niscemi finds itself 
on the front lines-with acts of war launched daily from the MUOS 
site-fully aware that extremely difficult times lie ahead.

We set several dates for mobilization, mindful that the trial for 
"incitement" against three comrades-including Natale Musarra-opens in 
Gela on October 7th. On October 24th, we will hold a public assembly in 
the town square to oppose war-related repression.

Furthermore, on November 7th, we will return to the base, because the 
antennas and the MUOS system tell us that war is already here. We intend 
to resist and halt this. No MUOS until victory.

Antonio Rampolla

https://umanitanova.org/la-guerra-e-gia-qui/
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