World News

Former mafia bar reopens as 'gang-free' pub

Published: May 4, 2013 at 11:49 AM

TURIN, Italy, May 4 (UPI) -- A former hangout for an Italian crime syndicate in Turin has reopened as a "gang-free" pub, officials say.

The new "Italia Libera" bar is run by Libera, an organization that converts former mafia property into socially responsible businesses, Italy's ANSA news agency reported Friday.

The drinking establishment was known as "Bar Italia" when it was owned by Giuseppe Catalano and was a headquarters for 'Ndrangheta, Italy's most powerful mafia organization.

"I hope this place brings refreshment not just to the palate, but to the conscience as well," said Libera director Don Luigi Ciotti in reopening the bar Friday.

More than 140 'Ndrangheta members were arrested and 169 were indicted in 2011. Catalano killed himself last year after confessing he worked for the group.

© 2013 United Press International, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Any reproduction, republication, redistribution and/or modification of any UPI content is expressly prohibited without UPI's prior written consent.

Order reprints

Most Popular Collections

Immigration rally in Washington, D.C.	MTV Movie Awards	Cherry Blossoms in Washington, D.C.
Miss NY USA crowns ASPCA King and Queen	Academy of American Country Music Awards	2013: Celebrity break ups and divorces

Additional World News Stories
Top News Reports say Syria to get Russian missiles; U.S. aware of reports DAMASCUS, Syria, May 9 (UPI) -- A Russian deal to sell advanced anti-aircraft missile systems to Syria is imminent, information relayed to the United States by Israel indicated. Next healthcare repeal vote is for new Congressmen, Boehner says Prosecutor: Castro made captives abort Toddler dies after accidentally shooting himself in head Defamation suits against Casey Anthony in limbo because of bankruptcy	Entertainment News Graham says she'd rather be happily single, than unhappily married LAS VEGAS, May 9 (UPI) -- U.S. actress Heather Graham says, at 43, she is looking for good sex and possibly, but not necessarily, marriage. Angie Miller eliminated from 'Idol' Actress Amanda Bynes gets three years probation Madonna to be honored at Billboard Awards ceremony TNT orders second season of 'Boston's Finest'
Business News Turkish energy hub plan faces hurdles TEL AVIV, Israel, May 9 (UPI) -- Israel's rapprochement with Turkey is a vital element in Ankara's drive to become the intercontinental east-west energy hub in the Mediterranean. More Boeing satellites for Intelsat Eight charged in electronic theft of $45 million Peru copper plans moving again despite protests Non-profit to run NASA UAS challenge	Odd News Cemetery rejects profane gravestone inscription LYNN, Mass., May 9 (UPI) -- Commissioners of a Massachusetts cemetery said they rejected a proposed grave stone inscription due to the inclusion of profanity. Ariz. student gets $16,000 water bill Reported rooftop pot plants were actually tomatoes Woman dressed as Hulk accused in assault Cheetahs form bond with toddlers