They had promised they would raise their hands, but just to dance and this is what the over 250 young people who gathered in the square in front of the discotheque “Just In”, in Germignaga, along state highway No. 394, which leads to Luino, did, in order to demonstrate against the use of force and violence in the discotheques. A sound system played house and techno music at full volume throughout the afternoon; there were young people wearing white T-shirts with the message “Raise our hands just to dance”, and a lot of positive messages from the microphones, for an afternoon of open, clean enjoyment. This was the initiative, which was organised by the “Anti-violence Group”. The organisers, Roberto Malcotti and Davide Fusco (in the photo above) were satisfied, and they immediately relaunched the idea of turning the group, which had been created for this initiative, into something more stable, for the organisation of other events in the future.

“We demand that the people who manage security in clubs not raise a finger against the clients,” they explained.

“Here, it was becoming the rule and this demonstration is in response to those who use violent methods in the only disco in the area. For many of us, this disco is the only place where we can meet up and dance on Saturday night, and it’s not right that, every time, we should be in danger of ending up with bruises, or worse,” Davide Fusco said from the stage.

Alessandro Franzetti the “Nuova Frontiera” (New Frontier) town councillor for Luino, spoke on behalf of the Mayor, who gave his support to the demonstration. “Luino town council support this peaceful initiative against every form of discrimination and violence”, he said, and added, “Here, in Varese Province, we’re also collecting signatures for a law for harsher punishments for anyone that discriminates, and a law that regulates civil unions. If Italy is to grown, it needs more freedom.”

The Milan anti-discrimination association, “Alziamo la testa” (“With our heads held high”), was also present at the demonstration, with a stand. Anna Maria, a member of the association, said she was happy with this initiative. “In order to put an end to occurrences like the one that happened here last Saturday, we have to work for everyone’s rights.”

The music went on until 6 p.m.