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Nicholas Whithorn

@nickwhithorn.bsky.social
2.8K followers 1.4K following 5.1K posts

Legal Translator and University Lecturer based in Messina. Sicily, mafia, Italian justice system. Mafia Chronicles: nicholaswhithorn.substack.com

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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 19s
Here in Messina the city administration loves using the ME provincial abbreviation so a Messina bus pass is called "MoveMe".
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 3h
The Mayors of Messina & Reggio Calabria have agreed a series of measures to better integrate the two cities on either side of the Strait of Messina. Notably, the document they signed does not mention the Messina Strait bridge project at all. Evidently, even they don't believe it will ever be built.
messinatoday.it
Area Integrata dello Stretto, il protocollo punto per punto: dall’aeroporto condiviso allo Stretto Pass
Biglietto unico tra mare, treni e autobus, un’agenzia per coordinare i trasporti, musei accessibili a tariffe agevolate, ricerca universitaria e Protezione civile comune: ecco le misure previste dall’...
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 5h
These new rules for pedestrians in Salvini's revision of Italy's Highway Code are outrageous. Basically, if you are hit by a car while crossing the road it is your fault. "Before using a pedestrian crossing pedestrians must ensure that approaching drivers have seen them and are prepared to stop."
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
I agree. Add in the fact that the right will always stick together when in power out of interest, whereas the left will fall out over everything even when in power.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 15/10/2026
Two headlines from 'Repubblica' today showing how hopelessly divided and ambiguous both left and right are in Italy on support for Ukraine.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Yes, it should be "Ricordati che sei un italiano" or "Ricordati chi sei: un italiano".
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Some things in life are guaranteed. One of them is that fascists will always get their own flag and language wrong.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Some things in life are guaranteed. One of them is that fascists will always get their own flag and language wrong.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Anche la pizza, il mandolino...
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
I dread to think.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 14/10/2026
Musk, like many others, has not yet realised how much more convenient it will be to have Ukraine as a friend rather than Russia when the war finally ends.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Meloni's government says it wants to help the middle class by cutting taxes on incomes between €50k and €60k. Here in the south at least, that sort of income makes you bloody rich. Middle class people can only dream of earning that much.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Meloni's government says it wants to help the middle class by cutting taxes on incomes between €50k and €60k. Here in the south at least, that sort of income makes you bloody rich. Middle class people can only dream of earning that much.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
Qui al sud perlomeno un reddito di €50k-€60k non è da ceto medio. È da classe agiata.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
She is perfect as Press Secretary. Precisely in line with the competence of the rest of the administration.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
It doesn't necessarily mean "Russia won Brexit" but with such a small margin of victory (51.9% - 48.1%) we can't be absolutely sure of that.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 13/10/2026
He is constantly on Italian TV talk shows. His constant themes, masked by a very steady serious tone are: Russia can't be defeated; the alliance with USA is fundamental; mass migration is bad because it destabilises. All are to be found in this presentation, with some added creeping to the Vatican.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 12/10/2026
Does he propose live streaming the murder of innocent people?
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Italian TV is full of people telling us why we shouldn't be sending arms to Ukraine. The latest one I heard was, in so many words, "half the population of Ukraine has abandoned the country. If they can't be bothered to defend Ukraine why should we?"
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
Italian TV is full of people telling us why we shouldn't be sending arms to Ukraine. The latest one I heard was, in so many words, "half the population of Ukraine has abandoned the country. If they can't be bothered to defend Ukraine why should we?"
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Professor Daniele Albertazzi @dralbertazziuk.bsky.social · 11/10/2026
This morning I am going to post a full translation of the Manifesto of the party of former army general Vannacci: Futuro Nazionale. As one does on a Sunday. FN is challenging Meloni and her coalition by attracting the support of the most radical among their supporters. It can cost her the elections
Leader of Futuro Nazionale, Roberto Vannacci, with television anchor Bruno Vespa.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
When this war is over it will be much much more convenient to have Ukraine as a friend than Russia.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 10/10/2026
Manchester-washing by Chinese fashion brand instead of money-washing by Manchester football club.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
These are the roads people will be driving on after crossing the €13bn Messina Strait bridge.
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Mitì Vigliero @mitivigliero.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
#Rolli su #ilSecoloXIX
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Prosecutors request a sentence of 2 years' imprisonment for the Bishop of Enna, accused of having committed perjury when testifying at the trial of a priest accused of sexually abusing minors.
enna.gds.it
Chiesti due anni per il vescovo di Enna: è accusato di falsa testimonianza
Il pm di Enna Santo Di Gregorio, nel corso dell’udienza con rito abbreviato che vede imputato per falsa testimonianza il vescovo della diocesi di Piazza Armerina,...
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 09/10/2026
Latest Sicilian politician involved in corruption scandals hid thousands of Euros inside a grandfather clock in his office. When a workman came to remove carpets for cleaning he moved the clock and a bag stuffed with cash fell out. He looked inside & put it back. The honesty of the ordinary person.
palermo.gds.it
Il tesoro trovato dagli operai. L’ira di Armao sulle segretarie
Una borsa piena di contanti cade dall’orologio a pendolo mentre vengono rimossi i tappeti nello studio dell’ex assessore. Le urla alle dipendenti: «Li voglio adesso»
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
After a Ministry of Transport inspection which described safety conditions on the A18 Messina-Catania & A20 Messina-Palermo motorways as shocking, a 60km/h speed limit and extensive lane closures will be imposed on about 65% of the two routes.
lasicilia.it
A18 e A20, la velocità sarà ridotta a 60 km orari. «L'alternativa sarebbe la chiusura ma le Statali non reggerebbero»
Alla fine dei tre giorni di sopralluoghi, l'ispettore del ministero ha ribadito che la situazione delle barriere laterali rimane «una tragedia». E viene convocato all'Ars. La Regione si vanta di aver...
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Vatnik Soup @vatniksoup.bsky.social · 08/10/2026
In today’s Vatnik Soup, we introduce an Italian journalist and political commentator, Marco Travaglio. He’s best known for being the most prominent pro-Russian voice in Italy and for spreading Russian disinformation almost every day on Italian TV.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
People have been pointing out the irony of Forza Italia bringing down a government because of corruption but let's give them some credit. Of the 17 people arrested or under investigation only a couple are theirs, about the same are Lega. The majority are Fratelli d'Italia.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
People have been pointing out the irony of Forza Italia bringing down a government because of corruption but let's give them some credit. Of the 17 people arrested or under investigation only a couple are theirs, about the same are Lega. The majority are Fratelli d'Italia.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 07/10/2026
The Siciliani government is on the verge of collapse after Forza Italia withdraws its support from Renato Schifani's administration afflicted by numerous corruption scandals
palermo.gds.it
Schifani, ore decisive: Forza Italia tratta l’uscita concordata con dimissioni dopo la Finanziaria
Minardo propone un vertice a Roma con Tajani e il governatore per concordare il percorso politico. Il presidente riunisce i fedelissimi e minaccia l’addio anticipato, ma gli alleati frenano
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Yes, it shows you mean business.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
A few of them have been arrested or investigated.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
Oh yes, we have Lega in Sicily, all poached from other parties as part of Salvini's drive to make it a national party.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 06/10/2026
You might think that Vannacci's new party 'Futuro Nazionale' would attract defectors from Lega or Fratelli d'Italia but, in Sicily at least, it is Forza Italia, the supposedly most moderate party in the governing coalition, that is losing councillors and even MPs to fascism.
lasicilia.it
Barcellona Pozzo di Gotto, due consiglieri comunali passano con Futuro Nazionale
A darne annuncio il deputato Tommaso Calderone, anche lui di recente passato da Fi al partito di Vannacci
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Night train being loaded onto the ferry in Messina.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
The student I was threatened by had failed his English exam twice and after I reported the episode he never returned to take it again but still graduate somehow. Naturally, he took up a career in politics.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
See it? I work at it. As you say, it was 'ndrangheta that infiltrated the university. I personally was threatened by a student who, twenty years on, was convicted for connections with 'ndrangheta. Every time we had exams we checked the names on the list of candidates to be prepared for trouble.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Probably, yes.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
Ismaele La Vardera, leader of Sicilian political movement 'Controcorrente' has discovered that numerous relatives of mafiosi and members of mafia clans are working in two of Palermo's major public hospitals. The reaction of most Sicilian and Italian media has been a huge collective shoulder shrug.
scrusciu.it
Ospedale Cervello, boss e parenti assunti: ecco i nomi — Scrusciu
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 05/10/2026
During this event in Sesto Fiorentino one of the speakers said that Russia can't be defeated so Ukraine should surrender. Former PM and M5S leader Conte, sitting next to him, didn't bat and eyelid.
corrierefiorentino.corriere.it
Conte a Sesto Fiorentino: «Ucraina? Non possiamo batterci per un governo progressista continuando a fare la stessa politica estera di Meloni»
Il leader del Movimento 5 Stelle all'Unione Operaia di Colonnata, alle porte di Firenze: attacco a tutto campo al governo Meloni e monito al campo largo. «Adesso si cambia registro»
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 04/10/2026
I have enormous respect for antimafia judges and would suggest that after earning people's respect and building a reputation for honesty, rigour and impartiality during their long careers it would be better not to throw it all away by going into politics after retiring.
lasicilia.it
Scarpinato, è scontro totale: FdI e centrodestra chiedono il passo indietro dall'Antimafia. Lui: «Tutto falso, sono il depistato»
È diventato un caso politico la frase con cui il gip di Caltanissetta Santi Bologna parla del senatore del M5S
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is a cruel aspect of migrant landings in Italy rarely covered. Eager to look tough authorities arrest people & charge them with commanding boats (iow human trafficking) on flimsy evidence. Often traffickers abandon boats & someone steers to avoid disaster. They risk up to 30 years in prison.
reggio.gazzettadelsud.it
Assolto il presunto scafista dello sbarco di Brancaleone
Slah Abdullah Mounir, cittadino sudanese, era stato arrestato perché ritenuto uno dei piloti della piccola imbarcazione che il 31 ottobre 2024 raggiunse la spiaggia con a bordo 16 migranti
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
This is a cruel aspect of migrant landings in Italy rarely covered. Eager to look tough authorities arrest people & charge them with commanding boats (iow human trafficking) on flimsy evidence. Often traffickers abandon boats & someone steers to avoid disaster. They risk up to 30 years in prison.
reggio.gazzettadelsud.it
Assolto il presunto scafista dello sbarco di Brancaleone
Slah Abdullah Mounir, cittadino sudanese, era stato arrestato perché ritenuto uno dei piloti della piccola imbarcazione che il 31 ottobre 2024 raggiunse la spiaggia con a bordo 16 migranti
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
Thank you for the link.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
A reminder that there are good people in the world.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 03/10/2026
A reminder that there are good people in the world.
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
Every city, town or village in Italy hopes to have the Giro d'Italia pass through as it means extra funding for road repairs & resurfacing. When it passed through the Calabrian town of Melicucco the local 'ndrangheta boss made sure the town council extended the resurfacing work to his front gate.
reggio.gazzettadelsud.it
'Ndrangheta a Melicucco, passa sulla Sp5 il Giro d’Italia e viene asfaltata la strada di Dario Varamo
Inquirenti e Arma contestano il coinvolgimento in concorso all’assessore Gabriele Bruzzese
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Nicholas Whithorn @nickwhithorn.bsky.social · 02/10/2026
The people responsible for overseeing the Messina Strait bridge project are starting to abandon the sinking bridge.
repubblica.it
Slitta delibera sul Ponte al Cipess, in arrivo altri abbandoni di dirigenti dalla Stretto di Messina
Al momento all’ordine del giorno del Comitato interministeriale non c’è l’attraversamento tra Sicilia e Calabria, ma altre opere ferroviarie e rimodulazioni di…
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