Having fallen somewhat into oblivion in recent months, the escape of the man accused of political activism during the dark years of Italy’s “Years of Lead” is likely to resurface in this time of presidential elections. It is well-known that the Socialist Party had supported Cesare Battisti, whom François Hollande had visited during his time in prison prior to his disappearance. A new and thorny presidential dilemma now presents itself to the twelve candidates vying for the Élysée, and undoubtedly, each will choose their side with the conviction they must uphold!
In the meantime, the Supreme Court of Brazil must decide in the coming days on the extradition of Battisti to Italy, where a court ruling in absentia will send him directly to life in prison. In “My Escape,” the noir novelist claims “to have never killed anyone,” yet the Italian justice system, which according to Italian law cannot retry Battisti as would be possible in France, accuses him of a double murder and complicity in two others between the years 1978 and 1979. It was in 1990 that the Italian author settled in France and, like other Italians of the time, benefited from the policy of François Mitterrand and France which granted refuge to far-left militants wishing to break with violence. It was only in January 2003 that the Italian government finally remembered that Cesare Battisti resided in Paris and demanded his immediate extradition. In October 2004, Jean-Pierre Raffarin signed the extradition order, followed by the flight which abruptly stopped yesterday morning.
In Italy, this capture is being celebrated and the Minister of Justice, Clemente Mastella, is eagerly hoping for a quick return of Cesare Battisti “back home.” Since 1993, an extradition treaty has been in effect between Brazil and Italy, suggesting a very likely return of the fugitive to his native country.
A presidential promise and an impossibility of retrial in Italy undoubtedly deserved better, and the question of cozy dealings between yesterday’s friends who become today’s enemies—or perhaps it’s the other way around—keeps arising. The Battisti case is just one among many, and it seems a duty of a future President of the Republic to ensure respect for the promises of one of his predecessors.
