On the evening of May 8, 1978, a tragic event unfolded in Cinisi, Sicily, that would forever mark the fight against organized crime in Italy. Giuseppe "Peppino" Impastato, a young activist and vocal critic of the mafia, was brutally murdered by Cosa Nostra. His assassination was not just a personal tragedy; it became a symbol of the struggle against the mafia's grip on society. Today, as Italy commemorates the 47th anniversary of his death, his legacy continues to inspire a new generation of activists.
Marcella Stagno, a fellow activist and close associate of Impastato, reflects on the current state of anti-mafia efforts in a poignant discussion on the beach of Magaggiari, near where Peppino was killed. "Today, nothing is worth anything, not even life itself. The greatest fear is that a disintegrated society can inflict more harm than the mafia itself," she states, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by communities in Sicily.
Stagno's remarks come during the annual remembrance events that draw young people from across Italy to honor Peppino's memory and the broader anti-mafia movement. "We remember the young lives lost in Monreale, victims of violence that robbed them of their future. We fought for the world, but we must also fight for the youth today, who feel trapped and powerless," she adds.
In 1977, Stagno was part of a feminist movement in Cinisi that sought to address domestic violence and the societal norms that perpetuated it. "Back then, we fought against the justification of violence towards women, and we faced significant backlash for speaking out. We were labeled as outcasts, but we knew we had to stand up for our rights," she recalls. The movement became a crucial part of the narrative broadcasted by Radio Aut, the free radio station founded by Impastato, which took a stand against both the mafia and patriarchal society.
As the anniversary approaches, the keys to the farmhouse where Peppino was murdered have recently been handed over to the community, a gesture symbolizing the ongoing fight against organized crime. Meanwhile, the house where Peppino and his mother, Felicia Bartolotta Impastato, lived is set to be auctioned on June 5, 2025, due to debts incurred by Giovanni Impastato, Peppino's brother.
Luisa Impastato, Peppino's niece and president of Casa Memoria, emphasizes the importance of fighting for rights and opportunities as a means to counteract organized crime. "The mafia has returned to its old ways, constantly changing its tactics. Our fight against criminal organizations must expand to include the fight for rights and opportunities for everyone," she asserts.
Peppino Impastato was born on January 5, 1948, in Cinisi, into a family with deep ties to the mafia. His uncle, Cesare Manzella, was a notorious boss involved in drug trafficking, and his father had a history of criminal activity. Despite this background, Peppino chose a different path, becoming an activist and founding the newspaper "L'idea socialista" in 1965, where he documented local social issues and injustices.
In the 1970s, he became increasingly involved in leftist politics, participating in protests and advocating for workers' rights. He founded Musica e Cultura, a cultural group that provided a platform for theater, music, and political discussion. In 1975, he launched Radio Aut, which became a vital tool for exposing the mafia's activities and corruption in his hometown.
Peppino's activism reached a peak when he decided to run for municipal office in Cinisi under the banner of Democrazia Proletaria. Just days before the election, on the night of May 8, he was murdered. His body was placed on the railway tracks and blown up, a gruesome act intended to make it appear as though he had died in a terrorist attack.
Despite attempts to portray him as a criminal, Peppino's legacy endured. Following the efforts of his family, particularly his mother Felicia, who fought tirelessly for justice, an investigation into his murder was reopened. By 1984, the mafia's involvement in his death was officially recognized, leading to the conviction of Vito Palazzolo and life imprisonment for Gaetano Badalamenti, the mafia boss behind the assassination.
Today, as the community gathers to remember Peppino, the fight against the mafia continues. Events like the one held today at 3 PM, featuring a live discussion with Luisa Impastato and Giuseppe Pipitone, serve as reminders of the ongoing struggle for justice and the importance of memory in combating organized crime.
With the mafia's presence still felt in regions like Sicily, the voices of activists like Marcella Stagno and Luisa Impastato are more crucial than ever. They remind us that the fight against organized crime is not just about the past but also about shaping a future where young people can thrive without the shadow of fear and violence looming over them.
As Stagno poignantly reflects, "We need to ensure that the youth today have spaces to express themselves and opportunities to build a better future. We cannot allow the cycle of violence to continue, and we must take action before it's too late." Her call to action resonates deeply, urging society to confront the realities of organized crime and to foster a culture of resistance and empowerment.
