Sicily plans a hit on mafia souvenirs

 Sicily is banning the sale of gifts and souvenirs that are mafia-themed in a bid to improve visitors’ perception of the Italian island.

Local authorities say products such as T-shirts depicting Marlon Brando as Don Vito Corleone from The Godfather movie promote, “negative stereotypes that humiliate the community”.

Authorities are particularly concerned by items feature cartoonish depictions of Sicilians wearing black berets and with a shotgun slung across their backs.

Sicily is closely linked with the Cosa Nostra organised crime network and their deadly deeds. Now, the mayor of the town of Agrigento is banning “any type of object that praises, or refers in any way and form, to the mafia and organised crime”.

Businesses that do not comply will be fined. Airports in Sicily have also been told to clear their shops of mafia memorabilia.