Ex Ilva: 13-year-old boy appeals to Puglia President over plant closure

A 13-year-old boy named Andrea, who suffers from a rare disease linked to the Sox4 gene mutation, has issued a video appeal to Puglia Region President Antonio Decaro regarding the ex-Ilva steel plant. Andrea is one of eleven plaintiffs in a legal action against the facility.

Following an injunction by the Milan Court of Appeal on July 27, the plant's hot area is ordered to close by October 28 due to asbestos and fine dust emissions exceeding legal limits. In his letter, Andrea expresses the fears of children in Taranto, stating, “We little Tarantines are afraid of becoming angels,” referencing children who have died or suffered severe illness.

The video, released by the association 'Genitori Tarantini,' includes Andrea questioning why regional leadership has not met with the legal representatives of the plaintiffs.