Wednesday, February 13, 2008

Police escort for Sicilian bishop after Mafia death threats

A Catholic bishop in Sicily is under police protection after receiving death threats because he refused to allow a public funeral for a reputed Mafia chieftain.

Bishop Michele Pennisi of Piazza Amerina has been traveling with a police escort since flyers threatening his life began circulating in the seaside town of Gela.

A local prosecutor is investigation the source of those pamphlets.

The bishop, who was a frequent critic of the Mafia, refused to allow a funeral in the city's cathedral for Daniele Emmanuello, who was killed in a gun battle with police on December 3.

Emmanuello, who was facing charges as an accused leader of organized criminal activity in the region, was accorded a private funeral in a cemetery chapel.
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