The Assassination of Aldo Moro: the details of a political killing

The kidnapping and assassination of Aldo Moro, a former Italian Prime Minister and a prominent figure in the Christian Democracy party (DC), remains one of the most controversial and complex events in Italy’s post-war history. The intricate web of political maneuvering, terrorist activities, and the involvement of secret societies like the Propaganda Due (P2) lodge and Operation Gladio have led to numerous theories and allegations about the true motives behind Moro’s death. This article delves into the multifaceted aspects of this case, exploring the political landscape of Italy at the time, the involvement of internal and external entities, and the lasting impact of Moro’s assassination on Italian politics.

Background and Political Climate

Aldo Moro was a central figure in Italian politics, known for his role in the “Historic Compromise,” a political strategy aimed at including the Italian Communist Party (PCI) in a governing coalition. This initiative was highly controversial, especially during the Cold War, as it aimed to stabilize Italy by incorporating the PCI into the mainstream political process. Moro’s efforts were seen as a threat by both far-left and far-right factions, as well as by international observers wary of Communist influence in Western Europe.

On March 16, 1978, Aldo Moro was kidnapped by the Red Brigades (BR), a Marxist-Leninist terrorist group. The kidnapping occurred as Moro was on his way to Parliament, where he was to attend a session that would ratify a new government supported by the PCI. This event marked the beginning of a 55-day ordeal that would end with Moro’s assassination.

Government Response and Internal Conflicts

The Italian government, led by Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti and Interior Minister Francesco Cossiga, adopted a hardline stance against negotiating with the terrorists. Cossiga, who later admitted that the decision likely doomed Moro, believed that yielding to the Red Brigades’ demands would undermine the authority of the state and grant legitimacy to the terrorists. This decision was controversial and deeply divided Italian society and the political elite.

Cossiga’s position was influenced by a broader strategy aimed at maintaining stability and curbing the influence of the PCI. According to some accounts, such as those of Guido Riccio, Gelli Ortolani, Andreotti, and Berlusconi, Moro’s sacrifice was deemed necessary to discredit the Red Brigades and prevent them from gaining public support. There was also a fear that negotiating with the kidnappers would legitimize their cause and embolden other terrorist groups.

In the months leading up to his death, Moro himself recognized the implications of the government’s firm stance.

The Role of P2 and Operation Gladio

The Propaganda Due (P2) masonic lodge, led by Licio Gelli, played a significant role in Italian politics and the military. The P2 lodge was known for its clandestine activities and influence over high-ranking officials. When the names of P2 affiliates were made public in 1981, it was revealed that several members of the crisis committee handling the Moro affair were part of P2. This disclosure fueled suspicions about the involvement of the P2 lodge in the Moro case.

Operation Gladio, a clandestine NATO “stay-behind” operation designed to counter Soviet influence in Western Europe, was also implicated. According to magistrate Ferdinando Imposimato, Gladio units were active in Italy during Moro’s kidnapping. These units, comprising members from Britain, France, the United States, and Germany, were tasked with maintaining stability in Italy. Their involvement in the Moro case suggests a possible international dimension to the event, with foreign intelligence services potentially influencing the Italian government’s response.

Allegations and Theories

Numerous theories and allegations have emerged regarding the true motives and players behind Moro’s assassination. Some believe that external intelligence services, particularly those of the United States and Britain, influenced the handling of the case. The United States viewed Italy as a crucial NATO ally and was wary of Communist influence, while Britain had historical motives tied to Italy’s post-war status.

Internally, there were divisions within the Italian political landscape. Socialist Party members, including Claudio Signorile, hinted at possible last-minute negotiations between Fanfani, a prominent DC member, and the Red Brigades. These negotiations were abruptly halted, possibly by higher powers aiming to maintain the status quo and prevent the PCI from gaining influence.

Moro’s imprisonment and interrogation by the Red Brigades revealed sensitive information about Italian politics and foreign interference. In his letters, Moro exposed the complexities of power mechanisms, the influence of the P2 lodge, the existence of Operation Gladio, and the illicit financing of political parties. These revelations highlighted the deep-seated issues within the Italian political system and the extent of external interference.

The Execution and Aftermath

On May 9, 1978, Aldo Moro was executed by the Red Brigades. His body was found in the trunk of a red Renault 4, abandoned on Via Caetani in Rome, symbolically situated between the headquarters of the PCI and the DC. Moro’s execution marked the end of a tragic and turbulent period in Italian history.

The aftermath of Moro’s assassination had significant political repercussions. The government’s hardline stance against terrorism was reinforced, leading to stricter anti-terrorism measures. The Red Brigades, weakened by the public outcry and intensified police actions, eventually lost much of their influence. Moro’s death also delayed the inclusion of the PCI in the government, as it reinforced fears of Communist influence.

The involvement of the P2 lodge and Operation Gladio in the Moro case brought to light the pervasive influence of secret societies and clandestine operations in Italian politics. The exposure of P2 members in high-ranking positions and the disclosure of Gladio’s activities underscored the extent of manipulation and interference in Italy’s political landscape.

Unresolved Questions and Continuing Mysteries

Despite numerous investigations and commissions, many questions surrounding Aldo Moro’s kidnapping and assassination remain unanswered. The presence of Colonel Camillo Guglielmi, a P2 member, near the ambush site on Via Fani, and the involvement of secret services and criminal organizations, such as the Ndrangheta and the Magliana gang, add layers of complexity to the case.

There were also curious incidents like the “seance” involving Romano Prodi and other notable figures, which led to the discovery of the Red Brigades’ hideout on Via Gradoli in Rome. The incident, though seemingly absurd, raised suspicions about the information being deliberately leaked to aid the investigation.

The role of the Mafia in the Moro case is another contentious issue. Collaborators like Saverio Morabito and Tommaso Buscetta provided insights into the possible involvement of the Ndrangheta and other criminal organizations. These revelations suggested that the Mafia might have had a role in tracking or even negotiating with the Red Brigades, though this involvement remains speculative.

The Legacy of Aldo Moro

Aldo Moro’s assassination is often seen as a turning point in Italian history, symbolizing the collision between democratic ideals and the dark forces of political extremism and corruption. Moro’s vision of a more inclusive and modern Italy was cut short, but his legacy continues to influence Italian politics.

Moro’s writings during his captivity, particularly his letters, offer a profound insight into the complexities of Italian politics and the struggle for power. He highlighted the dangers of corruption, the influence of secret societies, and the challenges of maintaining a democratic order in a country fraught with internal and external threats.

The case of Aldo Moro underscores the importance of transparency and accountability in government. It also serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by secret societies and clandestine operations in undermining democratic institutions.

Conclusion

The assassination of Aldo Moro remains one of the most significant and controversial events in modern Italian history. The intricate web of political intrigue, terrorism, and secret societies that surrounded his kidnapping and murder continues to fuel debates and investigations. While many details remain shrouded in mystery, the case of Aldo Moro highlights the complex interplay of internal and external forces shaping Italy during the Cold War era.

Moro’s death had a profound impact on Italian politics, reinforcing the government’s hardline stance against terrorism and exposing the pervasive influence of secret societies like the P2 lodge and Operation Gladio. Despite numerous investigations, many questions remain unanswered, leaving the true motives and players behind Moro’s assassination open to speculation.

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