The President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek paid tribute to the memory of Angelo Vassallo, Mayor of Pollica, today (9 September) during the plenary session in Strasbourg.

The Parliament observed one minute of silence in his memory.

EP President Buzek said:
"Mr Angelo Vassallo, aged 57 years old, Mayor of Pollica in the Campania Region of Italy was murdered last Sunday night by the Camorra on his way home.

He was better known as the "Environmental Mayor" for his great work to improve the natural environment in his region.

Mr Vassallo always fought against the infiltration of organised crime in his city.  He had a fantastic human touch.

We must not underestimate the role of organised crime in some of our Member States. We should stand together in solidarity to root out this evil from our societies so that Angelo Vassallo's death will not have been in vain. I would like to ask you to stand for one minute of silence."

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For further information:

Robert A. Golański
Deputy Spokesman
Mobile: +32 475 751 663

Giacomo Fassina
Mobile: +32 498 981 366