Communities across Sicily are expressing unease as more than 20 senior mafia figures have been released from prison in the past three months. These men, many of whom were influential leaders in Cosa Nostra, are now returning to their former neighbourhoods, raising fears of renewed criminal activity.
In Palermo, residents of areas once dominated by mafia clans, such as Acquasanta and Brancaccio, are particularly concerned. Local anti-mafia groups warn that the presence of these individuals could undermine years of progress in reclaiming the city’s streets.
Salvatore Borsellino, whose brother Paolo was killed in a 1992 Cosa Nostra bombing, condemned the releases, “These men refused to collaborate with justice, and their freedom is a blow to our fight against the mafia. Sicily cannot afford to go backward.”
The sentiments are echoed by Nino Morana Agostino, whose uncle, a police officer, was murdered alongside his pregnant wife in 1989. He told la Repubblica, “The return of these men sends a chilling message. They carry secrets about unresolved crimes and continue to cast a shadow over our communities.”
High-Profile Releases in Palermo
One of the most talked-about cases is that of Raffaele Galatolo, a senior mafia boss from Palermo’s Acquasanta neighbourhood. Galatolo, whose clan was notorious for a so-called “death chamber,” was released after being deemed a “model detainee.” Though under strict conditions, his release has sparked fears that his presence could reignite criminal activities in the area.
Another release involved Giuseppe Corona, held since 2018 on mafia charges. His release due to pretrial custody limits highlights ongoing issues with trial delays in Sicily, a region known for its complex legal battles against organised crime.
In western Sicily, Trapani residents are grappling with the release of nine bosses connected to Matteo Messina Denaro, the infamous mafia leader captured in early 2023 after decades on the run. Denaro’s arrest was celebrated as a turning point, but his death in custody later that year and the subsequent release of his associates have dampened hopes of long-term progress.
Local activists in Trapani, who have worked tirelessly to create opportunities for young people to avoid mafia influence, fear that the return of these figures could undo years of grassroots efforts.
Will Cosa Nostra Regroup?
Palermo’s chief prosecutor, Maurizio de Lucia, has warned that the releases could pave the way for Cosa Nostra to reorganise its leadership, known as the Cupola. The prospect of these figures reclaiming their positions is a stark reminder that the mafia, though weakened, is far from defeated.
Federico Varese, a Professor of Criminology at Oxford University, explained the gravity of the situation.
“Cosa Nostra operates on loyalty and secrecy. The release of bosses who never cooperated with authorities sends a dangerous message to the community and could strengthen the mafia’s influence.”
Local anti-mafia groups, such as Addiopizzo, which advocates for businesses to reject mafia extortion, are urging authorities to tighten parole regulations. They also emphasise the need for continued investment in education and community programmes to weaken the mafia’s grip on Sicily’s younger generation.
“We must not underestimate the power these figures still hold,” said a representative from the Palermo-based organisation Libera. “Their return is a stark reminder of how much work remains in the fight for a mafia-free Sicily.”
