Outcry over the demise of an Indian agricultural laborer in Italy
Farmer Worker Tragedy: The Gruesome Incident of Satnam Singh
Satnam Singh, a 31-year-old laborer, met a heart-wrenching fate on the streets, losing his right arm in an accident at a farm close to Latina, close to Rome. SkyTG24, CNN's affiliate, reported the sad news. The cause of the incident was a plastic wrapping machine at the farm.
Singh passed away a few days later, leaving behind a poignant reminder of the struggles faced by vulnerable migrant workers in the nation. In the days following, trade unions and the Indian community in Latina organized protests in response.
RAI, the Italian state broadcaster, informed that Singh was pulled by the plastic wrapping machine, which was dragged by a tractor, causing the tragic loss of his right arm and the crushing of his lower limbs.
After the incident, a van transported Singh, he was abandoned near his home, while his severed arm ended up in a vegetable collection box, according to RAI reports. Singh succumbed to his injuries at the San Camillo hospital in Rome on Wednesday.
A legal investigation against farm owner Antonello Lovato, deemed responsible for leaving Singh outside his home post-incident, has commenced over potential charges of manslaughter and neglecting a person in danger, Reuters reported, citing Giuseppe De Falco, the lead prosecutor.
It appears that Singh did not have a formal contract or a residence permit and had been serving at the company for two years, SkyTG24 stated.
CNN reached out to De Falco, Lovato’s lawyers, the Indian government, and other pertinent parties for their comments on the matter.
Renzo Lovato, Antonello Lovato’s father, explained to RAI that Singh had been cautioned not to approach the vehicle. He expressed his sorrow over Singh's death, emphasizing that such incidents should never occur.
Valerio Righi, the family's lawyer, clarified to Reuters that Antonello Lovato went to the judicial police an hour after the incident, and claimed that his client was eagerly awaiting the charges to be formalized to defend himself. Regarding the accusations that help was not called right away, Righi hinted that further evidence would be presented during the proceedings to possibly challenge this notion.
The sudden death of Singh has provoked public outrage across Italy. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni expressed her condolences and strongly criticized Singh’s death at a cabinet meeting on Thursday.
“These heinous acts do not reflect the Italian people and I hope they are met with swift and harsh punishment,” she said in a statement.
Trade unions met with Italian Labor Minister Marina Elvira Calderone and Agriculture Minister Francesco Lollobrigida on Friday to discuss preventive measures to safeguard workers from such incidents in the future.
Calderone expressed her view that what happened to Singh was more than just an injury, it was a despicable act of barbarism, and she urged harsher penalties against workplace exploitation.
The unions organized a demonstration in Latina on Saturday, demanding worker dignity and safety, and urging political and social forces to combat worker exploitation and inhumane working conditions.
They also established a fundraiser to aid Singh's family and repudiated Italy's gangmastering system, which involves the illegal recruitment and exploitation of agricultural workers.
Trade union leader Maria Grazia Gabrielli labeled the incident as one of unprecedented brutality, asserting that it stemmed from the irregular conditions in which numerous migrants in the country are relegated.
She described these migrants as modern-day slaves, devoid of a residence permit, making them vulnerable to exploitation by those who view work only as a means to earn profits, and rights such as assistance as obstacles.
Gabrielli went on to say that exploitation in the fields often leads to pitiful wages, unsafe and inhumane working rhythms and conditions, psychological and physical violence, ultimately culminating in tragic events like the one in Latina.
The Indian community in Latina will join the streets for a demonstration on June 25th to pay tribute to Singh and demand action and denunciation of the incident, according to RAI.
A 2021 report from Italy’s biggest labor union, CGIL, and labor union FLAI revealed that approximately 230,000 irregular workers were engaged in the primary sector, which primarily includes non-resident foreigners employed in agriculture.
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The tragedy of Satnam Singh has sparked concern not only within Italy but also in Europe, highlighting the plight of migrant workers globally. Due to the lack of proper contracts and residence permits, many vulnerable workers in Europe face similar challenges.
