ROME, ITALY – Barbara Balzerani, a prominent figure in Italy’s Red Brigades, passed away at the age of 75, as reported by media outlets on Monday. Known for her involvement in the 1978 kidnapping and murder of former Prime Minister Aldo Moro, Balzerani was a key female leader within the radical Marxist group. She received three life sentences for her role in the political violence that characterized Italy’s tumultuous “Years of Lead” during the 1970s and 1980s.
After being arrested in 1985, Balzerani was granted parole in 2006 before her eventual release in 2011. Despite never expressing remorse for the actions of the Red Brigades, she did convey regret for the impacts of their violent tactics on others. Aldo Moro, a prominent political figure who served as prime minister in the 1960s and 1970s, was abducted by Red Brigade militants on March 16, 1978, and tragically found dead in a car 50 days later in central Rome.
Balzerani, codenamed “Sara,” also played a role in other notable Red Brigades operations, such as the kidnapping of American General James Lee Dozier in Verona in December 1981. Italian law enforcement successfully freed Dozier, who was a senior NATO official at the time, after 42 days in captivity.
Throughout her life, Balzerani transitioned to become a writer following her release from prison, shaping a new identity outside of her radical past. Her story reflects the complex and turbulent history of Italian politics during the late 20th century, where extremist groups like the Red Brigades sought to challenge the status quo through violent means.
The death of Barbara Balzerani marks the end of an era for Italy and serves as a reminder of the lasting impact of political violence on society. Her legacy, intertwined with the dark chapters of Italy’s history, raises questions about extremism, justice, and the long-term consequences of radical movements. As Italy continues to reckon with its past, the story of Balzerani and the Red Brigades remains a sobering lesson in the dangers of ideological extremism and its tragic outcomes.