Nicaragua declared on Thursday that it is severing diplomatic relations with Italy. This decision follows the reiteration of an extradition request by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani for terrorist Alessio Casimirri, who is involved in the assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro, according to reports from EFE.
The Nicaraguan government condemned what it described as “unjustified, aggressive, and irresponsible statements” made by Tajani, asserting that his remarks insulted both the people and government of Nicaragua with European arrogance.
During a meeting of the European People’s Party (EPP) held in Madrid, Tajani honored Aldo Moro, who was assassinated by the Red Brigades in 1978, and criticized the Nicaraguan government for providing refuge and protection to Casimirri, one of those responsible for Moro’s kidnapping and murder.
“The Italian government does not forget the victims of terrorism and continues to seek accountability from those responsible for serious crimes against the Italian state and its citizens,” Tajani added, lamenting Nicaragua’s rejection of all extradition requests for Casimirri.
Who is Alessio Casimirri?
At 74 years old, Casimirri is a former member of the Red Brigades, who has received six life sentences in Italy for his involvement in some of the most serious attacks carried out by this terrorist group, including the kidnapping and murder of Aldo Moro in 1978.
According to Italian authorities, Casimirri was part of the commando that attacked Moro’s security detail in Rome on Via Fani, resulting in the deaths of five officers. After being convicted for other crimes committed by the terrorist group, Casimirri fled Italy in the early 1980s. He settled in Nicaragua in 1983 during the first Sandinista government, where he obtained citizenship and established personal businesses in the hospitality and fishing sectors.
