Nicaragua breaks diplomatic ties with Italy over terror suspect row

Nicaragua's authoritarian government has broken off diplomatic relations with Italy, citing "unjustified, aggressive, and irresponsible statements" from Rome. The decision came after Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani accused the Central American nation of protecting a former member of the Red Brigades terror group.

Tajani had called for the extradition of Alessio Casimirri, who allegedly participated in the 1978 assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. Casimirri has lived in Nicaragua since 1983 and holds Nicaraguan citizenship. He has been sentenced to six life terms in absentia in Italy.

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unjustified, aggressive, and irresponsible statements

Italy's Foreign Ministry stated that Nicaragua had informed Rome of its intention to end diplomatic relations. The ministry emphasized that the Italian government has not forgotten the victims of terrorism and continues to demand accountability for "the gravest crimes against the state and Italian citizens," including Casimirri.

Aldo Moro, then leader of the Italian Christian Democrats, was kidnapped by the Red Brigades in Rome in March 1978. Five bodyguards were killed during the abduction. His body was found 55 days later in a car in Rome. The events drew parallels to the actions of the Red Army Faction (RAF) in Germany.

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that the responsible parties for the gravest crimes against the state and Italian citizens be held accountable