Nicaragua announced on Thursday that it has severed diplomatic ties with Italy, escalating a dispute over the latter's demand for the extradition of a man convicted of the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro.

The decision by Nicaragua's Foreign Ministry came in response to recent remarks by Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani. Tajani had criticized Nicaragua for harboring and granting citizenship to Alessio Casimirri, a former member of the far-left Red Brigades, who was found guilty in absentia for his role in Moro's assassination.

During a summit in Madrid, Tajani stated that Italy had no common ground with "extremist governments such as that of Nicaragua, a country that still provides protection to dangerous terrorists." He specifically cited Casimirri as an example. Italy has repeatedly requested Casimirri's extradition over the decades he has resided in Nicaragua.

However, Nicaragua's constitution prohibits the extradition of its own citizens, a legal barrier that has prevented the fulfillment of Italy's requests. Despite this, Tajani affirmed that Italy would persist in its efforts to ensure Casimirri faces Italian justice for the crimes he was convicted of, aligning with a European Parliament resolution on the matter.

The 1978 kidnapping of Aldo Moro by the Red Brigades marked a dark chapter in Italian history. The group demanded the release of imprisoned members in exchange for Moro's life, but he was ultimately found dead in Rome approximately two months after his abduction.

Tajani emphasized that Italy's continued pursuit of Casimirri's extradition is a matter of "respect for the memory of the victims of terrorism and the principles of justice." The Italian government has consistently advocated for accountability for those involved in Moro's murder.

The diplomatic rupture highlights the ongoing international friction surrounding historical justice and the extradition of individuals accused of serious crimes. Nicaragua's stance, rooted in its constitutional provisions, places it at odds with Italy's persistent demands for justice for the Moro assassination.

This development follows recent related news, including US restrictions imposed on Nicaraguan officials and concerns raised by UN experts regarding the death of an Indigenous leader in Nicaragua. The situation underscores complex geopolitical and legal challenges concerning individuals with past links to extremist groups and their current status in various countries.