President Sergio Mattarella on
Thursday paid homage to prominent economist Ezio Tarantelli on
the anniversary of his murder in 1985 by Red Brigades (BR)
terrorists, saying he had been a "martyr" of ideological
fanaticism.
"Forty years since the vile assassination, the Republic
remembers Ezio Tarantelli, a refined and passionate
intellectual, a man open to dialogue, convinced supporter of
economic policies aimed at social justice and the development of
employment", said Mattarella.
"On this anniversary, I wish to express the sense of most
intense participation and closeness to the family, to those who
were his friends, to those who commendably continue to promote
the heritage of research and thought" left by the professor,
continued the head of State.
"In their aberrant ideological fanaticism, the Red Brigades
conceived the deadly attacks against a defenceless person due to
his ideas and the contribution he was making to the country's
choices.
"Tarantelli was chosen as a target because he was a connection
between society and Institutions, as he was convinced that
dialogue could spearhead a better development, strengthening
rather than weakening social cohesion.
"Ezio Tarantelli - who was dedicated to the University and
students - thus became a martyr of democracy: his testimony
remains forever in the Republic's memory", concluded the
president.
Tarantelli, 43, a leading adviser to labour union CISL, was
machine-gunned by two men in a parking lot of Rome's La Sapienza
university after he gave a lecture.
The economist died on arrival at the nearby Policlinico Hospital
following the attack claimed by the Red Brigades group.
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