Rome La Sapienza University political
philosophy lecturer and TV pundit Donatella Di Cesare said
Tuesday she was "disconcerted" with the "storm" of criticism she
had received by hailing a Red Brigades militant who died Monday
as someone whose "revolution" she shared while differing on the
ways used to achieve it.
"I'm surprised and disconcerted over the storm that has been
raised" after she remembered "Comrade Luna" Barbara Balzerani,
who took part in the raid that killed ex Christian Democratic
leader Aldo Moro's five escorts, as a fellow traveller, spurring
the rightwing League party leader Matteo Salvini to call he a
"disgrace".
"I have read statements from ministers who have stigmatised me
with very heavy words," De Cesare went on.
"I have always been against all forms of violence.
"That is attested to by my life, my writings, and my teaching.
"I recalled Barbara Balzerani's death, whom I've always been
distant from. In that context I touched on that radical
transformation to which my generation aspired.
"Some chose armed struggle; I took the path of feminism.
"I experienced the violence of those years in prima persona,
that of many Fascists".
Di Cesare, an essayist who appears often on TV talk shows,
posted on X, before deleting it: "Your revolution was also mine.
Different ways do not cancel ideas. With a heavy heart a
farewell to Comrade Luna (Moon) #barbarabalzerani".
Balzerani, 75, who never reneged on her past of political
violence, but said she was sorry for the victims, was involved
in several killings, including the 1978 raid in which the five
member of ex-premier Aldo Moro's security escort were murdered.
Moro was kidnapped in the raid, and killed 54 days later.
Balzerani was also involved in the abduction of United States
General James L. Dozier in 1981.
The previous year she was part of the BR hit squad that
assassinated magistrate Girolamo Minervini.
She was arrested in 1985.
Due to her ability to dodge arrest she was dubbed "the scarlet
pimpernel" by the Italian media.
Salvini said after La Sapienza's dean voiced "dismay" at Di
Cesare's post: "In a university seat at the Sapienza and very
often a guest of the TV salons of (independent broadcaster) La7.
An unacceptable insult for the victims of Red terrorism. "Shame
on her.
"Prof Donatella Di Cesare celebrates the dead BR woman Barbara
Balzerani," said the anti-migrant leader.
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