Italy Commemorates 43rd Anniversary of Dalla Chiesa’s Murder by Mafia

Rome: President Sergio Mattarella and Premier Giorgia Meloni led the tributes to Prefect Carlo Alberto Dalla Chiesa on Wednesday, marking the 43rd anniversary of the Mafia attack in which he was murdered along with his wife Emanuela Setti Carraro and his bodyguard Domenico Russo.

According to Ansa News Agency, on May 1, 1982, Dalla Chiesa, who had garnered recognition for his efforts in combating the Red Brigades domestic terrorists, was appointed as prefect for Palermo with the mission to curb the violence of the Second Mafia War. Tragically, he was assassinated in Palermo on September 3, 1982, under the orders of the notorious Mafia boss Salvatore ‘the Beast’ Riina.

“The memory of that cowardly ambush serves as a constant reminder to the entire country of the responsibility and shared commitment in the fight against the Mafia,” President Mattarella emphasized. He highlighted Dalla Chiesa’s dedication in battling terrorism and lawlessness throughout his career, noting his courageous efforts against the criminal presence in Palermo despite the known risks.

Mattarella further commended Dalla Chiesa’s service to the Republic, which continues to inspire the judiciary, law enforcement, and public administration. He stressed the importance of collective efforts to combat the mafia, which are essential for achieving human, social, and economic progress and for fostering regional development and societal cohesion.

Premier Giorgia Meloni echoed these sentiments, describing the attack as “cowardly.” She paid tribute to Dalla Chiesa as a man of the State with profound moral integrity, who gave his life in the fight against organized crime. Meloni assured that his memory would continue to inspire and guide their actions in combating such threats.