Nicaragua Cuts Ties With Italy Over Red Brigades Fugitive Case

Nicaragua has officially broken diplomatic relations with Italy, citing the case of a fugitive linked to the Red Brigades. The move escalates a long-standing diplomatic dispute between the two nations.

The core of the conflict lies in Nicaragua's refusal to extradite a former member of the Italian far-left militant group. This stance was solidified in 2004 when Nicaragua's Supreme Court of Justice denied an extradition request submitted by the Italian government. The court's decision at the time underscored Nicaragua's position on the matter, which has now led to the complete severance of diplomatic ties.

The Red Brigades were active in Italy during the 1970s and 1980s, carrying out bombings, assassinations, and kidnappings. The group sought to overthrow the Italian state through armed struggle. Many of its members fled Italy and sought refuge in various countries, including Nicaragua, after the group's decline.