Infamous Red Brigades Member Arrested in Buenos Aires

Argentinian police have arrested Leonardo Bertulazzi, a former member of the far-left Red Brigades, wanted by Italy for terrorism-related crimes. Convicted in Italy and having evaded capture since 1980, Bertulazzi lost his refugee status under Argentina's current administration, facilitating his capture through international cooperation.

Buenos Aires police have apprehended Leonardo Bertulazzi, a former Red Brigades member sought by Italy for a series of terrorism-related crimes, the Argentine government announced on Thursday.

Bertulazzi, convicted in Italy for kidnapping and criminal association and facing a 27-year prison sentence, had been residing in Argentina for years under refugee status, which was revoked by President Javier Milei's administration. "Bertulazzi is responsible for crimes that undermined democratic values and the lives of many victims," an Argentine government statement declared.

The Red Brigades, a far-left guerrilla group active in Italy during the 1970s and 1980s, were notorious for numerous terrorist acts, including the 1978 kidnapping and assassination of former Italian Prime Minister Aldo Moro. According to Italian police, Bertulazzi had been a fugitive since 1980 and was involved in a 1977 kidnapping aimed at financing the Moro operation.

Bertulazzi was first detained in Buenos Aires in 2002, but was released a few months later when Argentine authorities denied Italy's extradition request. Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni stated that his recent arrest was the result of "intense and fruitful cooperation" between Italy, Argentina, and Interpol.

(With inputs from agencies.)