The Irpinia bombers told the prosecutor: "The bomb was supposed to be harmless."

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The Irpinia Bombers Tell the Prosecutor the Bomb Was Supposed to Be Harmless 2026 08 27

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Rome – "We don't know Lavitola and Ranucci, only Gomez Tavares": Antonio Passariello and Pellegrino D'Avino responded almost in unison to the prosecutor's questions, which they interrogated separately in prison. Leaks about the statements provided by the two perpetrators of the attack on Sigfrido Ranucci emerged this evening from the lawyers of the two suspects.

A long afternoon in Rebibbia prison was spent by lawyers Generoso Pagliarulo and Antonio Falconieri, who, upon leaving the prison after more than nine hours, stated: "Pellegrino D'Avino and Antonio Passariello only had contact with Gomes Tavares."

The version already deduced from the investigations of the Rome Prosecutor's Office, which confirmed the gang's contacts with Lavitolal's factotum, a fugitive in Africa, was thus supported by Passariello and D'Avino, father and son, who had previously exercised their right to remain silent.

Therefore, the two "did not know Ranucci or Lavitola and confirmed that they did not intend to harm anyone." Investigators focused their attention on the nature of the bomb and the warrant provided by Gomez Tavares, also to compare what Valter Lavitola stated during his interrogation. The instigator reportedly asked his right-hand man to fire four or five gunshots outside the journalist's home and ensure no one was harmed.

D'Avino and Passariello: Tavares asked for the bomb to be planted, not for gunshots to be fired.

Then came the quarry explosives that blew up the Ranucci family's cars and part of the surrounding wall.

The defense's stance, however, remains unchanged: "The issues we already knew about were touched upon. The scope of the warrant is that of the first warrant—Tavares's request to plant the device under Ranucci's house—not the gunshots."

In front of the magistrates, D'Avino and Passariello "answered all the questions, they didn't shy away." In answering the questions, the two also emphasized the nature of the device, which was apparently not planted to cause harm: in short, it was supposed to be a farce.

The defense: a request for release is ready, there is no aggravating circumstance of mafia methods

The defense—who are seeking to rule out the alleged aggravating circumstance of mafia methods—will submit a request for mitigation of the precautionary measure, likely house arrest, "if not its revocation," as there is no risk of escape or tampering with evidence. The request will be reviewed by the prosecutor and the investigating judge; a decision could be received as early as next week.

No questions, the lawyers say, were asked about the identity of the "Corrado" who appears in the intercepted conversations. In answering the questions, the two men also emphasized the nature of the device, which was apparently not planted to cause harm: in short, it was supposed to be a farce.

Saverio Mutone will also be heard in the next few days, while Marika De Filippis' questioning is uncertain.

The defense is also evaluating the possibility of an alternative trial, a plea bargain, or a fast-track trial. The prosecutor's office is also examining the positions of Saverio Mutone, also in prison, and Marika De Filippis, D'Avino's partner, currently under house arrest. Mutone will likely also be heard in the coming days at the request of his lawyers, while for De Filippis, everything will depend on her health, given that she is about to give birth.

Lavitola's right-hand man from Africa: "I'll return to Italy. Lavitola, hold on and get out soon."

D'Avino and Passariello's version confirms Lavitola's report, except for the details of the method, and Tavares's statements received yesterday afternoon. The intermediary between Lavitola and the gang said in an interview with Tg1 from Africa: "I know some of those arrested for the attack, but I won't talk about the bomb. If I wanted to escape, I'd go to Russia, where I know people and where no one could ask for extradition."

He then reiterated: "I'll return to Italy to speak with the magistrates." Then he sent a message to his former publisher and friend: "Lavitola, hold on and get out soon."

According to Sergio Cola, the former publisher's lawyer, these interrogations reveal that "Valter Lavitola's version is not contradicted; indeed, it appears to be partially or totally confirmed." So much so that the lawyer—in view of Lavitola's re-examination, which will be heard again by magistrates on September 7th—will ask the prosecutor to obtain a copy of these latest documents.

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