"That massive presence of law enforcement, even in riot gear, inside the sanctuary was perceived as an insult." Yesterday in court, the mayor of Sedilo repeated this several times , strictly in Sardinian and with a translator nearby. Salvatore Pes, in the new hearing of the trial in which he is being charged with slander, attempted to clarify what happened during the Ardia trial six years ago.

It was the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and the horse race had been suspended, but religious celebrations were permitted, provided gatherings were avoided and the rules of conduct in place at the time were followed. Thus, both locals and worshippers from various parts of the island flocked to the sanctuary, given the importance the Ardia holds for the whole of Sardinia, as the mayor emphasized before Judge Federica Colantonio and Public Prosecutor Daniela Caddeo.

At certain times of the day, however, even the gate of the Arch of San Costantino was reportedly closed , "preventing the devotees from fulfilling their vows." These decisions fueled complaints from the people of Seggio, so Pes (represented by lawyer Cristina Puddu) decided to sue then-Police Commissioner Giusi Stellino and Deputy Commissioner Pino Scrivo for disrupting religious services. The complaint was dismissed by the Court, and Stellino and Scrivo (civil parties with lawyer Mario Gusi) subsequently filed a lawsuit against Pes for slander. The trial continues on November 11th.

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