SENIOR ITALIAN opposition figures yesterday accused the centre-right government of media tycoon Silvio Berlusconi of collusion with the Mafia because of the way in which the ministry of the interior has handled Mafia supergrass, Gaspare Spatuzza. Opposition figures reacted angrily to reports that the ministry had decided to withdraw full protection from Spatuzza because of an apparent legal nicety.
Former investigating magistrate, Antonio Di Pietro, now leader of the Italy of Values (IDV) party was amongst the most outspoken in his criticism of the government, saying: "To have denied Spatuzza the programme of "special protection" is very serious and it is a clear message intended to intimidate those willing to relate facts that can throw light on awkward and embarrassing truths involving prime minister Berlusconi and his faithful ally, Senator Marcello Dell'Utri . . . The reasons given by the ministry of the interior are defective and legally incorrect.
"This [ decision] is a gift to the Mafia, a kick in the teeth for those willing to turn state's witness and a whitewashing of the search for truth," said Di Pietro, who said Spatuzza was now "a dead man walking".
Convicted Cosa Nostra hit man Spatuzza made headlines last December when he gave evidence in Turin at the appeals trial of Dell'Utri, a long-time Berlusconi aide who in 2004 received a nine-year sentence in Palermo for "Mafia association". During his testimony, Spatuzza accused both Berlusconi and Dell'Utri of Mafia collusion, implying that they were linked to a 1993-1994 Mafia bombing campaign in Rome, Milan and Florence, in which 10 people died and which was intended to create an air of political instability favourable to the right. At the subsequent March 1994 general election, Berlusconi pulled off a whirlwind, overnight success with his newly formed Forza Italia party.
Senior IDV figure, Luigi Li Gotti, argued yesterday that this week's decision was motivated by "political considerations", commenting: " . . . this serious juridical error can only have a political explanation: namely to marginalise Gaspare Spatuzza and at the same time send a devastating message to possible future collaborators."
Many commentators suggested that it might not be coincidental that the decision came shortly before the appeals court is due to deliver judgement on Dell'Utri.