Augusto Barbera, a former president of Italy's Constitutional Court and a left-wing deputy for over a decade, has condemned prosecutor Nicola Gratteri's recent statements as potentially subversive. Barbera highlighted that Gratteri's comments aimed to create a divide among Italian citizens, categorizing them based on their legal status, affiliations, or identities. This sort of divisive rhetoric is particularly disappointing given Gratteri's substantial contributions to the fight against the 'ndrangheta organized crime syndicate.

In a video posted by the 'Comitato si riforma', Barbera expressed his displeasure with Gratteri's remarks, emphasizing that such divisive tactics are unbecoming, especially when employed by a respected prosecutor. While Gratteri has been recognized for his significant achievements in tackling organized crime in Naples, his comments during an appearance on the program Piazzapulita have raised questions about his approach to public discourse. Barbera suggested that Gratteri's comments, if made by a regular citizen, would be considered unacceptable political rhetoric.

In response, Gratteri defended himself, claiming that his comments concerning the 'ndrangheta had been taken out of context. He suggested that his intent was misunderstood and that his statements were being misconstrued by those who oppose him. This ongoing debate underscores the challenges public figures face in navigating the sensitive interplay between law enforcement language and political communication in Italy, particularly given the historical context of organized crime in the country.