Mafia extortion resurgence in Palermo

Palermo has marked the 35th anniversary of the assassination of Libero Grassi, the textile entrepreneur murdered by Cosa Nostra on August 29, 1991, for refusing to pay protection money.

Commemorations included symbolic tributes at the site of his murder in via Alfieri involving red paint and plants, attended by Grassi’s children, Alice and Davide, his nephew, Alfredo Chiodi, and officials including the Prefect of Palermo, Massimo Mariani, and former Senate President Pietro Grasso. Grassi’s legacy remains a symbol of civil rebellion, particularly his decision to denounce extortionists in a letter to the Giornale di Sicilia, which encouraged others to report mafia activities.

To mark the occasion, the anti-racket association Addiopizzo hung banners in districts such as San Lorenzo, Sferracavallo, and Barcarello. These locations were selected due to a recent resurgence of extortion attempts, threats, and property damage targeting local merchants. While officials and families noted changes in the city’s social fabric since 1991, they expressed concern over the recent escalation of criminal intimidation.

During the ceremonies, Sicilian President Renato Schifani emphasized that those choosing legality must not be left alone. He noted the availability of regional support funds of up to 200,000 euros for businesses facing usury or extortion, as well as 4 million euros from the Fondo Sicilia for companies under anti-mafia prevention measures. Addiopizzo has previously called for political and judicial responses to be supplemented by efforts to address the underlying poverty and economic instability that allow organized crime to maintain influence.