the repression of the fasci turned into outright persecution. the government arrested not just the leaders of the movement, but masses of poor farmers, students, professionals, sympathizers of the fasci, and even those simply suspected of having sympathized with the movement at some point in time, in many cases without any evidence for the accusations. after the declaration of the state of emergency, condemnations were issued for the paltriest of reasons. many rioters were incarcerated for having shouted things such as "viva l'anarchia" or "down with the king". at palermo, in april and may 1894, the trials against the central committee of the fasci took place and this was the final blow that signaled the death knell of the movement of the fasci siciliani.