Remembering the Capaci Bombing: 32 Years Later
Today, Italy solemnly marks the 32nd anniversary of the tragic murder of the brave anti-mafia judge, Giovanni Falcone. On 23 May 1992, Falcone’s life was brutally cut short in a heinous bombing orchestrated by the Corleonesi mafia, forever leaving a scar on the nation’s history.
The infamous Capaci bombing unfolded on the A29 motorway near Palermo airport as Falcone was returning home from Rome. The explosion not only claimed Falcone’s life but also tragically took the lives of his wife, Francesca Movillo, and three police officers – Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo, and Antonio Montinaro.
This ruthless assassination was orchestrated by the notorious Cosa Nostra godfather, Totò Riina, who callously celebrated Falcone’s demise with champagne. Falcone, aged 53, was a dedicated servant of justice till his last breath.
30 years ago, on 23 May 1992, Giovanni Falcone is assassinated, along with Francesca Morvillo, Vito Schifani, Rocco Dicillo, and Antonio Montanaro. This thread tells the story of how he is undermined, isolated & abandoned to his destiny by the state he so loyally served >> 1 pic.twitter.com/sbtyUJkLxx— Nicholas Whithorn (@NickWhithorn) May 22, 2022
The devastating bomb, comprised of 13 barrels carrying 500 kg of explosives, was strategically placed in a tunnel under the motorway weeks before the fatal day. The explosion was triggered by the heartless mafia hitman, Giovanni Brusca, infamously known as “The Pig”, stationed in the hills above Capaci.
Aftermath
The tragic killings sparked a wave of profound sorrow across Italy, leading to a parliamentary declaration of a national day of mourning. Thousands gathered in Palermo for the emotionally heavy funerals, which were broadcast live nationwide.
Alongside his close colleague, fellow judge, and prosecutor Paolo Borsellino, Falcone dedicated his legal career to combatting the Sicilian Mafia. Tragically, on 19 July 1992, Borsellino too fell victim to a car bomb attack on Via d’Amelio in Palermo, along with five police officers.
These back-to-back tragedies, merely 57 days apart, prompted a significant crackdown against the Sicilian Mafia, culminating in the 1993 arrest of Riina, who eventually met his demise in prison in 2017.
Matteo Messina Denaro, who eluded capture for 30 years and was recently brought to justice, was sentenced in absentia in 2002 for his involvement in Falcone and Borsellino’s murders. Two years ago, Italy honored the 30th anniversary of the judges’ assassinations by minting a special €2 coin in their memory.
As Italy marks this solemn anniversary, commemorative events will be held nationwide, underscoring the ongoing battle against organized crime. State broadcaster RAI will dedicate several programs to the relentless fight against the Mafia, reaffirming the nation’s unwavering commitment to justice and remembrance.
