Four migrant men, three Afghans and one Pakistani, were burned alive inside a car at a petrol station in Amendolara, Calabria, Italy, on June 1, authorities said [1, 2]. The attack was caught on surveillance footage showing two men setting fire to the vehicle and locking the doors [1, 2]. Two Pakistani nationals have been arrested and charged with aggravated multiple murder related to the incident [1, 2].
One Afghan man survived by escaping through the boot of the car despite suffering burns [1, 2]. Survivor Taj Mohammad Alamyar described the attack: "We started screaming, but they opened the back door and threw a lighter inside. In an instant, it was hell" [2].
The victims worked as strawberry pickers under exploitative conditions and had not been paid since April 20, despite a promised wage of €45 for eight hours’ work [2]. They had been threatened with guns and knives, forced to work without pay, and only given food and lodging [1, 2]. The survivor stated the attackers were part of a large Pakistani criminal gang controlling forced labour recruitment, known as caporalato [1].
Labour exploitation of immigrant farm workers is a chronic problem in Italy, with about 30% working off the books [2]. Public prosecutor Alessandro D’Alessio said, "In 30 years of work, I have never seen such cruelty" [2].
Calabria regional president Roberto Occhiuto called the incident "a chilling story that shakes our consciences and raises profound questions about the tragedy of migration, the value of human dignity, and the responsibilities a civil society must assume toward the most vulnerable" [2]. Francesco Savino, vice-president of the Italian bishops’ conference, urged action: "Enough with the dirty silence of convenience. Enough with the grey area that sees, knows and lets things happen" [1].
Public prosecutor D’Alessio and survivor Alamyar gave statements about the attack and the exploitative labour conditions on June 3 [2]. Legal proceedings against the two suspects are ongoing.
