Remembering Via D’Amelio Bombing: 32 Years Later
Today marks the 32nd anniversary of the tragic murder of anti-mafia judge Paolo Borsellino, who was assassinated by the Cosa Nostra in Palermo, Sicily on 19 July 1992.
Borsellino, along with five police officers, was killed by a massive car bomb on Via d’Amelio as he was on his way to visit his mother. The loss of these brave individuals shook Italy to its core.
His death came just 57 days after his close friend and fellow anti-mafia magistrate, Giovanni Falcone, was also killed in a bombing. Both Borsellino and Falcone devoted their lives to fighting the power of the Sicilian mafia.
Honoring Their Memory
During the aftermath of the bombing, emotions ran high. Borsellino’s family declined a state funeral, feeling let down by the lack of protection provided to him by the government. They chose to hold a private ceremony instead, excluding politicians.
The deaths of these heroes led to a heightened crackdown on mafia organizations, culminating in the arrest of Totò Riina in 1993. Notorious mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro was also held accountable for their murders.
As Italy commemorates this solemn anniversary, the memory of those lost lives on. Their legacy serves as a reminder of the ongoing battle against organized crime and the pursuit of justice.
Last year, a special €2 coin was issued in their honor, a tangible symbol of their enduring impact on the nation.
