Uncovering the Shadows: The Untold Story of Judge Mario Amato and Italian Neo-Fascism

Altre Indagini, a compelling podcast created by Stefano Nazzi for Il Post subscribers, has been delving into pivotal moments in Italian history for the past two years. To celebrate this milestone, the latest episode of the podcast is free for anyone to access by signing up for a complimentary account on the Il Post website or app. The August episode takes listeners back to June 23, 1980, a date marked by tragedy and intrigue, when Judge Mario Amato was assassinated in Rome. Awaiting the bus near his home, Amato became an easy target for two assailants on a motorcycle. One stepped off, shot him in the back, and fled with his accomplice, leaving questions that still resonate today. Judge Amato’s murder was allegedly carried out by militants from the NAR—the Armed Revolutionary Nuclei—while he was probing the underbelly of neofascist terror organizations. With a focus on armed far-right groups, how was it possible that Amato, a magistrate dedicated to unearthing the links between these groups and political corruption, was unprotected? Why was he left to navigate this perilous landscape without support, waiting alone at a bus stop? In this detailed episode, Nazzi unfolds the narrative of Italy's far-right terror groups that emerged in the latter part of the 1970s. He paints a vivid picture of who these individuals were, their philosophies, and the old fascist organizations they collaborated with along with the underworld of organized crime. Moreover, listeners gain insight into Mario Amato's career at the Rome prosecutor's office during a tumultuous era often described as the 'port of fog.' This was a time when judicial inquiries into politically sensitive subjects were frequently stalled or buried by the very powers that be, further complicating Amato's already hazardous position. Through this episode, Altre Indagini not only recounts a critical chapter in Italy's socio-political history but also reflects on the implications of neglecting the investigations into neo-fascist violence—a stark reminder of the volatile intersection between law, politics, and extremism. Curious listeners and history enthusiasts alike are encouraged to subscribe and dive into the depths of Italian history with Altre Indagini, learning from the past to prevent a repeat of its darkest chapters. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2