Sicily is banning the sale of gifts and souvenirs that are
mafia-themed in a bid to improve visitors’ perception of the Italian
island.
Local authorities say products such as T-shirts depicting Marlon
Brando as Don Vito Corleone from The Godfather movie promote, “negative
stereotypes that humiliate the community”.
Authorities are particularly concerned by items feature cartoonish
depictions of Sicilians wearing black berets and with a shotgun slung
across their backs.
Sicily is closely linked with the Cosa Nostra organised crime network
and their deadly deeds. Now, the mayor of the town of Agrigento is
banning “any type of object that praises, or refers in any way and form,
to the mafia and organised crime”.
Businesses that do not comply will be fined. Airports in Sicily have also been told to clear their shops of mafia memorabilia.