Palermo commemorates Libero Grassi 35 years after mafia murder

Palermo is preparing a series of commemorative events on August 29 to mark the 35th anniversary of the murder of Libero Grassi, the entrepreneur who was killed by Cosa Nostra in 1991 for publicly opposing mafia extortion.

The anniversary comes amid a recent resurgence of intimidation, property damage, and extortion demands in several Palermo neighborhoods, including San Lorenzo, Tommaso Natale, and Sferracavallo. While law enforcement and the judiciary have responded to these incidents, the association Addiopizzo is emphasizing the importance of merchants and business owners reporting these crimes to ensure those who resist are not left isolated.

Addiopizzo has also issued an appeal to political leaders, stating that repression alone is insufficient. The organization argues that addressing poverty, urban decay, and the lack of economic opportunities in vulnerable districts is essential to preventing organized crime from finding fertile ground.