Nicaragua has severed diplomatic relations with Italy following comments by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani criticizing the Central American nation for harboring Alessio Casimirri, a former Red Brigades militant convicted in the 1978 assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. Italy has reiterated its demand for Casimirri's extradition.
The diplomatic rupture highlights ongoing tensions over justice for past terrorist acts and the principle of national sovereignty versus international legal obligations. It underscores Italy's commitment to pursuing justice for victims of terrorism, even decades later, and Nicaragua's stance on granting refuge.
Nicaragua has severed diplomatic relations with Italy following a dispute over the harboring of a convicted terrorist. The Nicaraguan foreign ministry announced the decision on Thursday, stating it was triggered by comments from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Tajani had criticized Nicaragua for granting citizenship to Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the far-left Red Brigades who was convicted in the 1978 assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro.
Aldo Moro, a prominent figure in Italian politics and a former prime minister, was kidnapped by the Red Brigades in March 1978. Despite demands for the release of imprisoned members, Moro was found dead two months later. Italy's foreign ministry reiterated Tajani's call for Casimirri's extradition, with Tajani stating that granting immunity to a criminal is unacceptable and that Italy will continue to demand Casimirri answer to the Italian justice system for his crimes.
Tajani emphasized that Italy would resolutely defend this demand out of respect for the memory of terrorism victims and the principles of justice, referencing a European Parliament resolution that also called for Casimirri's extradition.
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