Nicaragua cuts diplomatic ties with Italy over extradition dispute

Nicaragua’s government announced on 16 July 2026 that it will sever diplomatic relations with Italy. The decision follows remarks by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani, who at an European People’s Party meeting in Madrid demanded the extradition of Alessio Casimirri – a former Red Brigades member convicted in Italy for the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro. Tajani criticised Nicaragua for harbouring and granting citizenship to Casimirri, describing the Nicaraguan regime as “extremist”. Managua called Tajani’s statements “unjustified, aggressive and irresponsible” and said the rupture was a sovereign response. Italy reiterated its call for Casimirri to face justice, while Nicaragua cited its constitution, which bars the extradition of its citizens; Casimirri has lived in Nicaragua since 1983 and holds Nicaraguan nationality.