TheLittleTwentieth – Renowned Papers Edition, AI Infused

Local sources from Italy: Corriere della Sera, Euronews Italiano.
UK coverage: Al Jazeera English.

In a historic trial, an Italian court has convicted more than 230 defendants in one of the country’s largest-ever mafia trials, targeting the ‘Ndrangheta crime group in Calabria. The trial lasted almost three years and resulted in convictions for charges including extortion, drug trafficking, and theft. The heaviest sentences were given to two local Calabrian mafia leaders, who received 30 years each. The ‘Ndrangheta is considered Italy’s most powerful mafia group, and the trial marks a significant step in the fight against organized crime.

The verdict, which can be appealed by both the defense and the prosecution, included 2,200 years of imprisonment for the 322 defendants in the Rinascita Scott mega-trial. Among the convicted were lawyer Giancarlo Pittelli, sentenced to 11 years, Giorgio Naselli, former lieutenant colonel of the carabinieri, sentenced to two years and six months, former commander of the Municipal Police of Vibo Valentia Filippo Nesci, sentenced to 4 years, lawyer Francesco Stilo, sentenced to 14 years, and former marshal of the Anti-Mafia Investigation Department (DIA) Michele Marinaro, sentenced to 10 years. The most prominent name in this trial was lawyer Giancarlo Pittelli, former senator of Forza Italia, former member of the Justice Committee of the Chamber of Deputies, and former regional coordinator of Forza Italia.

The raid on December 19, 2019, led to the arrest of not only ‘ndrangheta members but also local politicians and lawyers. The judges handed down a heavy sentence of 28 years against Pasquale Bonavota, the clan leader of Sant’Onofrio, captured on April 27 after five years on the run. The investigation by the Catanzaro prosecutor’s office also provided many details about the role of the Masonic lodges in Vibo Valentia, which were “open” to dialogue with the Mancuso clan, precursors of the “Santa,” the modern ‘ndrangheta. The trial clarified the role of the Vibonese mafia clans, as well as the internal frictions that have, over time, caused internal fragmentation and a mafia war with dozens of murders.

Former mayor of Pizzo Gianluca Callipo was acquitted for lack of evidence, despite the prosecution requesting a 20-year sentence. The trial originated from an operation by the Catanzaro DDA (Anti-Mafia District Directorate), led at the time by Nicola Gratteri, which allowed the carabinieri to dismantle the Vibonese mafia clans, charging them with crimes such as mafia association, extortion, murder, fictitious ownership of assets, usury, and money laundering.

This trial marks a significant step in the fight against organized crime in Italy, and the convictions handed down are a testament to the hard work and dedication of the prosecutors and law enforcement officers involved in the investigation. The verdict can be appealed by both the defense and the prosecution, and the legal process is ongoing.