In Genoa, 'anger is palpable': cartoonist Alessandra recounts port city's pacifist fight in graphic novel

A graphic novel by Swiss cartoonist Alessandra Respini, "Ombres rouges. Chroniques d’une résistance," sheds light on the pacifist struggle of Genoa's port workers against the illegal transit of war materials. Published under the pseudonym "Alessandra," the book recounts the opposition of dockers to the movement of weapons destined for conflict zones in the Middle East, including Yemen and Gaza.

The graphic novel is the result of a five-month stay in the Italian port city. Co-written with Sophie Bellevye, "Ombres rouges" employs a sparse artistic style, critical humor, and documentary research to portray the situation. It focuses on the actions of the Calp (collectif autonome des travailleurs portuaires), a group that was initially labeled a "criminal association" by the Italian state.

Despite the official designation, the Calp eventually garnered support, including from the Pope, and successfully demonstrated the righteousness of their cause. Respini's work captures the "palpable anger" felt in Genoa regarding the illicit arms trade and its connection to ongoing conflicts.

The book's narrative highlights the tension between the workers' pacifist stance and the state's attempts to suppress their activism. It serves as a testament to the power of organized labor in challenging state-sanctioned activities that conflict with humanitarian principles, illustrating a local resistance movement with international implications.