Resource Analysis 3

Lecture Notes: History of the Mafia by Lorenzo Picchi

Professor Lorenzo Picchi, in his lecture “History of the Mafia,” claims that the Italian Mafia has always been a political entity, even before it was called the mafia, and is now a very powerful political force that has seemingly slipped off the radar of the world. By this, he means, that the mafia has strategically forced many of those in power into an unspoken pact of silence in regard to the mafia. Picchi proves this by referencing a number of newspaper articles printed between the years 2001 and 2008 (aka during Berlusconi’s reign). With the information provided by his lecture, it is easy to believe his thesis, as he does not offer any counter points, but based on his findings, it certainly does seem as though the Italian government has been bending over backward and passing new laws that could potentially aid the Sicilian mafia. For example, the March 21^st, 2001 verdict of the Palermo court decided that making business with La Cosa Nostra is not, in and of itself, a crime. This opens up a whole new market for businessmen who were wary of working with the Cosa Nostra before for fear of being arrested simply for association. Also in 2001, the Rogatorie Law (passed in September 2001) modifies the penal code and makes it difficult for proof to be offered in court in a State trial. This reform is favorable for all criminal organizations operating in Italy. Additionally, in September of 2001, the magistrates of Italy were no longer granted guarded escorts because they were designated as a “status symbol,” and then in March of 2002 two magistrates were assassinated by the mafia, after which the escorts were reinstated. These reforms aided the mafia with their agenda both in making it easier for them to stay out of jail, get to their targets, or simply making their actions legal. Seems quite the coincidence, therefore, it must be planned.

                Unfortunately, I am not positive if Picchi is a reliable source or not. So, even though his findings are interesting and potentially enlightening, they may not be accurate. However, the idea that the Sicilian Mafia, or any mafia for that matter, has infiltrated, threatened, or, at the very least, influenced the political aspects of their country is not new. So there may be truth in Picchi’s statements.