Italy’s ex-minister gets threat mail with bullet
By IANSThursday, January 13, 2011
Ceppaloni (Italy), Jan 13 (IANS/AKI) A former Italian justice minister received a threat mail along with a bullet at his home in northeast of Naples, warning him against fighting in a local body election.
The letter containing bullet allegedly mailed by the far-Left Red Brigades was sent to former justice minister Clemente Mastella’s home in Ceppaloni village, police said Wednesday.
“Remember the Red Brigades, we’ll finish you off in Ceppaloni too,” said the letter, written in Neapolitan dialect.
“A few days ago, it went well for you in Naples. But we won’t screw up next time, also because we won’t rely on our bare hands. Do you see the bullet?” the letter warneed Mastella.
“Don’t try and become mayor of Naples. Stay on your home turf. Easter’s not that far off, and you know what happens to lambs then!”
A group of unemployed youths Monday attacked Mastella, who currently leads a small centrist opposition party, the Popular Party for the South, and has been tipped by some as a future mayor of Naples.
Police were also investigating a dead chicken with a noose around its neck which was left outside Mastella’s home in December with a note. Mastella and his wife were away at the time.
“The next time, there will be a noose for you,” said the note.
Threats and bullets purportedly from the Red Brigades were sent last year to centre-Left opposition politician Luciano Violante, a former parliament speaker and anti-terrorism judge. The letters also threatened his wife.
–IANS/AKI
