New Developments in the Investigation of the 1980 Mafia Assassination of Piersanti Mattarella

The investigation into the 1980 Mafia assassination of Piersanti Mattarella, the Governor of Sicily and brother of current Italian President Sergio Mattarella, has taken a shocking turn. On Friday, prosecutors from Palermo revealed that the inquiry had been significantly compromised by elements within the government. They accused institutional members of intentionally obstructing the identification of those responsible for the crime by tampering with crucial evidence. The Palermo Anti-Mafia Directorate reported that a vital piece of evidence—a leather glove found inside the Fiat 127 used by the assassins—was removed from the investigation body. This alteration, prosecutors claim, led to the permanent dispersal of critical traces that could have helped solve the case. As a result of these findings, the former head of the Flying Squad, Filippo Piritore, has been placed under house arrest. He is under investigation for his alleged role in obstructing the investigation into Mattarella's murder. During questioning, Piritore reportedly made statements that were completely unverified and ultimately misled the ongoing investigation. The glove, which was pivotal evidence found on the day of the assassination, was neither recovered nor seized, further complicating the case. The Anti-Mafia Investigation Department (DIA) has taken a firm stance in addressing this obstruction, asserting that such manipulation of evidence undermines the quest for justice in one of Italy's most notorious political murders. The resurgence of attention to this case highlights ongoing concerns about Mafia influence in public life and the potential complicity of state officials in covering up criminal activities. As this situation develops, it raises critical questions about the integrity of institutions tasked with upholding the law and the lengths to which some may go to shield the truth. With the assassination now over four decades old, the fight to bring its perpetrators to justice continues amid revelations that may profoundly impact public trust in law enforcement and government institutions. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2