ROME, Aug. 25 (UPI) -- The Italian government is stepping up efforts to have exiled terrorists returned for trial from France and Nicaragua, The Independent reports.
The new resolve came amid news Cesare Battisti, whom Italy convicted in absentia of four terror-related murders, had vanished from Paris and failed to make a parole appearance.
Italy wants 12 left-wing suspects, including Alessio Casi-mirri, the only Red Brigades terrorist still free in Nicaragua who was involved in the kidnap-slaying of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro.
France's late President Francois Mitterrand threw open the doors to left-wing Italian terrorists, who were allowed to remain in France indefinitely on condition they renounced violence.
In 2002, France agreed to return Italians wanted for serious crimes, but none has been extradited.
Monday, Italian Justice Minister Roberto Castelli angered France with an accusation.
"The flight of Battisti is the fault of the European left, which defends assassins and fugitives," Castelli said.
