The Life of Salvatore Riina
Salvatore Riina's Rise in the Mafia
Salvatore Riina, born in the small Sicilian town of Corleone in 1930, was a notorious Italian mobster and the chief of the Sicilian Mafia, or Cosa Nostra. His rise to power in the 1970s can be marked by his brutal tactics and strategic hits against rival factions. Known as 'Toto,' Riina became infamous for orchestrating a murder campaign against those who opposed him, contributing to a violent era in Italy's criminal history.
Master of Fear
Under Riina's leadership, the Mafia thrived, establishing a reign of terror in Sicily. He expanded the organization's influence, pushing drugs and extortion while eliminating rivals and dissenters. His calculated use of fear silenced many who might have opposed him, solidifying his status as a powerful figure within the underworld.
The Death of Salvatore Riina
Imprisonment and Illness
Riina was captured in 1993 after years on the run, where he would spend the remainder of his life in prison. Despite his imprisonment, he maintained influence and command over the Mafia's operations until his health began to decline. In November 2017, Salvatore Riina died at the age of 87 in a hospital ward within the prison system, marking the end of an era for the Sicilian Mafia.
Legacy of Violence
Riina's death did not erase his legacy of violence. Known for his ruthless methods, he was linked to numerous high-profile killings, including the assassination of anti-Mafia judges Giovanni Falcone and Paolo Borsellino. His impact on Italy's crime landscape continues to be felt, as the country grapples with the history of organized crime.
Fun Fact
Riina’s Infamous Quote
An interesting fact about Salvatore Riina is that he once stated, "You have to kill the pig before you take the sausage," reflecting his cold and calculated approach to eliminate opposition within the Mafia.
Additional Resources
Recommended Reading on Salvatore Riina
To explore more about the life and impact of Salvatore Riina, consider reading 'Gomorrah' by Roberto Saviano or 'Cosa Nostra: A History of the Sicilian Mafia' by John Dickie. These works provide a deep dive into the world of the Mafia and Riina's notorious influence.
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