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Today in History: Libero Grassi murdered for opposing Sicilian Mafia

8/29/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On 29 August 1991, Palermo textile entrepreneur Libero Grassi publicly refused to pay the Mafia’s protection tax, publishing an open letter denouncing the pizzo. His solitary defiance attracted no local support, and eight months later the Cosa Nostra shot him dead in the street near his home, silencing a rare anti-Mafia voice.

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Story summary

On 29 August 1991, Palermo textile entrepreneur Libero Grassi publicly refused to pay the Mafia’s protection tax, publishing an open letter denouncing the pizzo. His solitary defiance attracted no local support, and eight months later the Cosa Nostra shot him dead in the street near his home, silencing a rare anti-Mafia voice.