Mafia hit man apologizes; Italians indignant at his release

The release from prison of one of Italy’s most notorious mobsters-turned-informants generated more indignation Thursday, even after he was shown in an old jailhouse interview apologizing to his many victims for his role in “this factory of death.”

Brusca reportedly admitted to participating in some 150 homicides as the right-hand man to Cosa Nostra’s "boss of bosses," Salvatore "Toto" Riina, who died in prison in 2017. Given the gravity of Brusca’s crimes, his early release repulsed many Italians and prompted calls to reform laws that allow for reduced sentences for mafiosi who break the "omerta," or wall of silence, and cooperate with investigators. But others, including the slain prosecutor’s sister, defended it as a necessary way to entice mafiosi to collaborate with the justice system.