Italy will compensate the victims of war crimes, having lost the battle in the International Court of Justice. However, Germany could still be held liable for damages related to World War Two crimes and atrocities.
Brutal Murder
In October 1943, after the Nazis began a brutal occupation of their former ally, German troops hanged six Italian civilians on a southern Italian hillside. This act served as collective punishment for the killing of a soldier, who had been searching for food.
The execution of the six men took place in the Italian village of Fornelli, their killing occurred a month after Italy signed an armistice with the Allied forces, officially concluding its participation in World War II. This signified the termination of Italy’s alliance with the Nazis. Subsequently, Nazi forces initiated the occupation of Italy.
The six men who were brutally killed in the Italian village of Fornelli; their descendants are expected to be among the first to benefit from the newly established government fund designed to address compensation claims.
Finally, the descendants of victim will receive compensation
“We still remember the event every year, we haven’t forgotten,” said Mauro Petrarca. He is the great-grandson of one of those who were killed, Domenico Lancellotta. Domenico was a 52-year-old Roman Catholic father of five daughters and a son.
Almost all family members who were alive at the time of the killings have passed away. However, according to Italian law, the owed damages can still be given to their heirs. This means that Petrarca will get around 130,000 euros (USD 142,000) as per the court ruling in 2020.
Jewish groups in Italy have said before that Germany should pay to fulfil its historical responsibility. Some groups that represent victims are worried that Italy is taking a long time to handle many compensation claims. They are concerned that these claims could become a burden on the country’s finances. No one can fully replace the pain experienced by those who endured the injustices and consequences of war. However, providing compensation at least holds the guilty parties accountable and makes them responsible for the crimes committed against the victims throughout history.
