France has arrested 7 Italian leftist militants who were fugitives, after having sheltered them for decades following their convictions for terrorism in Italy. This marks a turning point in a matter that has long poisoned relations between Paris and Rome. Italy has long sought the extradition of dozens of leftist militants who had sought asylum in France, on the condition that they renounce violence after a period of social and political turmoil that lasted from the late 1960s to the early 1980s, known as the Years of Lead.
During this period, hundreds were killed in violence perpetrated by far-right and far-left groups. The office of French President Emmanuel Macron stated that the arrests followed months of consultations between France and Italy, with police targeting militants convicted of "blood crimes." Italian Prime Minister Mario Draghi, who took office in February and established a close working relationship with Macron, welcomed the French move. His office stated, "The memory of these atrocities remains vivid in the Italian conscience."
An advisor to Macron indicated that the action became possible after a return to a "climate of trust" between Macron and Draghi, following years of tension between Paris and Rome, particularly during the rule of a populist coalition in Italy. The advisor added that this step "was a way for us to show responsibility and acknowledge this era in Italy’s history, and to stop turning a blind eye to the acts of violence committed between the 1960s and the 1980s."
French Justice Minister Eric Dupond-Moretti stated, "I am proud to be part of this decision, which I hope will allow Italy, after 40 years, to close a chapter of its history that was filled with blood and tears." Police reported that 6 of the detainees were members of the leftist Red Brigades, with 3 of them sentenced to life imprisonment for their roles in several murders and kidnappings.
Macron's office noted that the search for 3 other Italians is still ongoing, adding that Rome has provided the names of 200 fugitives. The Paris prosecutor's office indicated it will examine any extradition request from Italy. Hundreds were killed in bombings, assassinations, and street warfare between warring factions of militant far-right and far-left groups during the Years of Lead.
Many leftist militants fled to France, where former socialist President François Mitterrand adopted a policy of granting asylum to those who renounce violence. Subsequent governments in France abandoned this policy, but Italy has continued to face difficulties in convincing Paris to extradite those convicted of murder.
