SAO PAULO, Feb. 20 (UPI) -- An admitted former terrorist jailed in Brazil says the Italian government should offer him a pardon for four homicides he allegedly committed in the 1970s.
Italy is trying to extradite Cesare Battisti, 54, who was sentenced to life in prison but fled to Brazil where he was granted political asylum.
Battisti said in a letter to the Brazilian Senate that if he is extradited, he will face political persecution, the Italian news agency, ANSA, said Friday.
''Isn't it time Italy showed its Christian side, for which pardon is an act of nobility," Battisti said in the letter he wrote from jail.
Battisti said his terrorist group had been active at a time when Italian authorities took part in right-wing bombings.
Battisti, a published crime writer, said if he detailed those activities, he would likey face persecution by the "manipulated masses."
"I would really like to be able to tell the truth to the Italian and Brazilian people," Battisti said. "But how can I, when the manipulated masses want to lynch me."
ANSA said a Brazilian Supreme Court decision on Battisti's political refugee status is expected next month.
