Targeted and harassed by animal rights activists with insults (including on social media), threats, derogatory posters posted around town, and even raids with signs and insults shouted at him during Christmas Mass, Don Pierino Sacella , parish priest of Torre Maina (600 souls in the municipality of Maranello , Modena), is now seeking damages. On Tuesday, the priest with a passion for hunting joined the civil action in the trial against two animal rights activists (a man and a woman). They have requested a summary trial, which would allow them to reduce their sentences by a third if convicted.
They are accused of defamation, stalking, and conspiracy to threaten . At the same time, the priest, labeled a "murderer" by activists, has also sued for damages in the civil proceedings against those who took part in the raid during the religious celebration, those who were identified by the Carabinieri at the time. The total damages presented by the priest wearing the Alpine hat amount to 350 euros.
And the former military chaplain sent a request for compensation via registered mail to each of the more than twenty activists identified by the military. The last raid dates back to Christmas two years ago. "Murderous priest, if we find you in the countryside, you will not be protected by the walls of your church," were the words the animal rights activists had addressed during the religious service to Father Sacella , who had also opposed the request in court to dismiss the criminal proceedings presented by the prosecutor ( Corriere della Sera ).
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