Nicaragua severs diplomatic ties with Italy over 1978 Moro murder case

Nicaragua has formally severed diplomatic relations with Italy, a decision announced by the Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry on Thursday. The rupture is a direct response to public criticism from Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani regarding the Central American nation’s protection of Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the far-left Red Brigades convicted of the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro.

Tajani delivered his remarks at a European People’s Party summit in Madrid, where he condemned Nicaragua for harbouring what he described as "dangerous terrorists." He stated that Italy shares nothing in common with the "vision of extremist governments such as that of Nicaragua," specifically citing the country’s decision to grant citizenship to Casimirri, who has resided there for decades.

The dispute centres on the unresolved legacy of the Red Brigades’ campaign of political violence in Italy. Casimirri was convicted for his role in the abduction of Moro in March 1978. The armed group had demanded the release of imprisoned members in exchange for the former prime minister’s freedom. Moro was found dead in the boot of a car in Rome approximately two months later.

Italy has repeatedly demanded Casimirri’s extradition, including through a European Parliament resolution. However, these requests have been denied for decades. The Nicaraguan Foreign Ministry confirmed that the diplomatic break was triggered by Tajani’s comments, noting that the country’s constitution prohibits the extradition of its own citizens.

Despite the severing of ties, Tajani reaffirmed Italy’s commitment to pursuing justice. In a statement, he declared that Italy would continue to demand that Casimirri answer to the Italian justice system for the crimes of which he has been found guilty. He emphasised that this stance is taken out of respect for the memory of the victims of terrorism and the principles of justice.