Ustica, Mattarella: “One of the darkest tragedies, the Republic does not abandon the search for the truth”

"The massacre of 45 years ago in the skies of Ustica has left a painful and profound mark on the history of the Republic that can never be erased. All those who were on board that DC9, departing from Bologna bound for Palermo, found death. Eighty-one people between crew and passengers: many bodies that could not be found. It was one of the darkest and most heartbreaking tragedies that have struck our country". Thus the President of the Republic, Sergio Mattarella , on the occasion of the forty-fifth anniversary of the Ustica massacre .

"Memory - continues Mattarella - renews above all the feelings of solidarity and closeness to the families of the victims, forced to an unspeakable, indelible, inexplicable torment".

The Head of State added: "The Republic does not abandon the search for truth and urges the collaboration of all those, including friendly countries, who can help us respond to the need for justice, which does not dissolve over the years because it is part of the very fabric of democracy".