Caltanissetta judicial probe into 1992 massacres

A judicial investigation in Caltanissetta into potential links between mafia-related public procurement contracts and the 1992 massacres of judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino has been archived. Judge Santi Bolognaha ruled that the evidence was insufficient to identify specific individuals or formulate convictions, noting that while a “hostile and marginalizing climate” existed at the Palermo Prosecutor’s Office during that period, there was no persuasive evidence to implicate members of the judiciary, politics, or business as accomplices. The ruling triggered a debate over judicial independence and political bias. Felice Giuffrè of the High Council of the Judiciary defended the local judges, while Senator Scarpinato criticized the dismissal of investigative leads, claiming he had faced “political bullying” for challenging the “mafia-contracts” theory. A judge in Caltanissetta also issued a ruling regarding allegations of interference involving Senator Scarpinato and former prosecutor Gioacchino Natoli. The ruling addressed intercepted conversations between Scarpinato and Natoli—former colleagues at the Palermo Prosecutor's Office—concerning the ‘mafia-appalti’ (mafia-contracts) dossier. The judge (GIP) identified Scarpinato’s actions toward Natoli as “attività depistante” (misdirection activity). The investigation also examined Natoli's request to testify regarding a 1992 order to destroy interception tapes and records related to investigations coordinated from Massa Carrara. Following the finding of “misleading activity,” Scarpinato has faced intense political pressure. Members of Fratelli d'Italia have called for his immediate resignation from the Antimafia Commission, while the Movimento 5 Stelle has defended his integrity, accusing opponents of using the situation as a distraction. In response to Scarpinato’s accusations of “institutional bullying” against the judge, the local executive board of the National Association of Magistrates (ANM) in Caltanissetta issued a statement expressing solidarity with Judge Bologna. This has caused friction within the judiciary, with groups calling for protective measures for the judge through the Superior Council of the Magistracy (CSM).