One of Italy's largest-ever #mafia trials kicked off, suddenly gaining the attention of national and international commentators. Expectations are high, but some obersvers are skeptical. Is this just a drop in the ocean? A Thread.

Skeptics argue that the huge trial against the #ndrangheta in Calabria is all talk, no action: (1) the result of sensational media attention based on one prosecutor who is celebrated as a hero; (2) doomed to produce mixed results and have weak impact. I don't agree.

While prosecutor Gratteri has a polarising public profile, no trial is a one man operation: reducing #RinascitaScott to that is not just unfair, but also untrue. This trial is the result of a longstanding, concerted effort by an exceptional prosecution team and police forces.

Sensational journalistic coverage is not uncommon, especially on #mafia events. And it's obvious that the biggest trial ever against the #ndrangheta in Italy would attract media attention. But this discussion should be kept separate from the merits of the trial.

The trial #RinascitaScott has just started. At this point, any prediction of its results is speculation. As @federico_varese says: We will see convictions, but also acquittals. This is the normal course of justice.

Will the largest-ever trial against the #ndrangheta defeat the organisation? No, of course not. No single trial ever will. More importantly, repression alone can't win the fight against the #mafia. But this trial is more than a drop in the ocean. There are 3 reasons why.

1) The trial is taking place in the region of Calabria – the heart of the #ndrangheta – in a specially constructed bunker, in record time, and against all odds. This is a powerful message of commitment (and capacity) to enforce the rule of law.

2) A record number of former mafiosi turned state-witness (58) will give evidence. This is significant, especially for the #ndrangheta which historically had a very low number of defectors. If well managed, this has the potential of encouraging others to come forward.

3) It reinforces what's already well known: the #mafia amounts to more than its members. There are also local officials, businessmen and politicians standing trial for
having partnered with the #ndrangheta. This is no news, but incredibly important to prove in court.

Caveat: defendants are innocent until proven guilty, and this trial will have to stand the test of time. Let's wait and see.