Families worry as over 20 released mobsters may return to their old haunts
Palermo: Families of victims from the Sicilian mafia are really anxious. They’re worried that more than 20 mobsters, recently released, might come back to their old neighborhoods.
Most of these guys were big shots in the mafia, especially in Palermo. They’ve never turned their backs on Cosa Nostra and have always kept quiet with the authorities. They got out on furlough or for good behavior, which is pretty concerning.
Salvatore Borsellino, whose brother was a famous anti-mafia judge killed back in ’92, said it’s dangerous to let these mobsters out. He believes it’s a serious setback in the fight against the mafia.
Nino Morana Agostino, whose uncle was murdered in broad daylight, echoed those fears. He stressed that we can’t let our guard down. These guys still know a lot about unsolved mafia murders and their release sends a bad message.
Just last month, Raffaele Galatolo, a 74-year-old mafia boss, was released after being called a “model detainee.” He was part of a notorious group that dealt with some pretty gruesome stuff. His brother was also involved until he passed away.
Another mobster, Giuseppe Corona, got out after being held for years without trial. It’s been a mess with delays, and now he’s back on the streets.
Earlier in October, nine other bosses were released for similar reasons. This all ties back to Matteo Messina Denaro, a former mafia leader who was arrested after being on the run for 30 years and died just last month.
The chief prosecutor in Palermo, Maurizio de Lucia, is urging everyone to stay focused on fighting the mafia. There’s a real fear that Cosa Nostra might try to regroup after a long decline.
Federico Varese, a criminology professor, called it a “perfect storm.” He pointed out that new laws are letting these bosses out without checking how dangerous they might be. Their return could help Cosa Nostra get back on its feet.
Families and prosecutors are worried because many of these released mobsters have shown they want to stay loyal to the mafia. Borsellino mentioned that these guys will come out and try to regain their power.
Varese added that once you’re in the Sicilian mafia, you’re in for life. There’s a ritual that seals the deal, and leaving is nearly impossible without serious consequences.
So, it looks like these released mobsters will likely jump right back into their old ways in Palermo and Trapani.
