Families of Sicilian mafia victims have voiced concern over the release of more than 20 high-ranking mafia bosses in the past three months, fearing their return to the neighborhoods they once controlled.
Many of these bosses, formerly key figures in Palermo’s leading mafia families, have never renounced the mafia or cooperated with authorities. Their release, granted either temporarily or due to good behavior, has sparked fears of a resurgence of Cosa Nostra.
Salvatore Borsellino, brother of anti-mafia judge Paolo Borsellino, who was assassinated by Cosa Nostra in 1992, said:
“Releasing mafia members who refused to cooperate with justice is always extremely dangerous. This is a fatal blow to the fight against the mafia.”
Similarly, Nino Morana Agostino, nephew of police officer Nino Agostino, murdered in 1989 with his pregnant wife, Ida, told La Repubblica:
“We must not let our guard down or underestimate the mafia. Bosses convicted of life sentences, now released conditionally, still hold dark secrets about unsolved mafia murders. Their release sends a dangerous message.”
Rising Concerns of Mafia Resurgence
Investigators worry that Cosa Nostra, after years of decline, might attempt to reorganize its ruling body, the “Cupola.”
One such released boss is 74-year-old Raffaele Galatolo, who led the Acquasanta family in Palermo. Freed in October under strict conditions due to his “exemplary behavior,” Galatolo remains a key figure in the family. Alongside his late brother Vincenzo, Raffaele oversaw a “death chamber” where victims were executed by orders of Salvatore “Toto” Riina, a former mafia chief.
Another prominent figure, Giuseppe Corona, was released after serving the maximum pretrial detention period. Nine other bosses linked to Matteo Messina Denaro, arrested in 2023 after 30 years on the run, were also freed in October.
Palermo’s Chief Prosecutor Maurizio de Lucia has called for renewed focus on anti-mafia efforts, emphasizing the potential dangers of Cosa Nostra’s revival.
Legal and Social Implications
Recent legal changes in Italy now allow mafia bosses who never renounced their crimes or testified against Cosa Nostra to benefit from good behavior laws. Critics argue this undermines public safety and facilitates the mafia’s resurgence.
Federico Varese, a criminologist at Oxford University, remarked:
“Their return in large numbers will enable Cosa Nostra to reorganize. The Cupola might reconvene, sending a message of impunity to communities.”
Borsellino added:
“These mafia members will return to reclaim power within their clans and enjoy increased prestige for never betraying their organization.”
Varese explained the lifelong commitment to the mafia, marked by an initiation ritual:
“A burning image of a saint is placed in the initiate’s hand, with the pledge, ‘You will burn like this image if you betray us.’ Departure from the mafia is only possible through death or exile as a collaborator.”
This resurgence, if unchecked, could reignite mafia activity across Palermo and Trapani, underscoring the urgency of strengthening anti-mafia measures.
