Naples, Italy  - About 150,000 people gathered in the southern Italian city of Naples Saturday to protest against organized crime and remember its victims.

The crowds, including many younger Italians, came from all over the country, reported Italian media. Several leading politicians also took part in the demonstration.

"The Mafia is neither unbeatable or immortal. That is the strong message of this demonstration," said Antonio Bassolino, president of Italy's Campania region.

State's attorney Pietro Grasso, who has become well known for his anti-Mafia stance, praised the large number of young Italians participating in the event, saying it showed the that a new Italy was taking form.

But he also warned the demonstrators to remain vigilant, noting that organized crime could "profit from the ongoing economic crisis."

Author Roberto Saviano drew loud applause as he read a long list of Mafia victims. Saviano's appearance at the event was kept secret until the last moment, as his life has been threatened after the 2006 publication of his book Gomorrah, about organized crime in Naples. (dpa)