Tarantelli a martyr of ideological fanaticism - Mattarella

(ANSA) - ROME, MAR 27 - President Sergio Mattarella on Thursday paid homage to prominent economist Ezio Tarantelli on the anniversary of his murder in 1985 by Red Brigades (BR) terrorists, saying he had been a "martyr" of ideological fanaticism.
    "Forty years since the vile assassination, the Republic remembers Ezio Tarantelli, a refined and passionate intellectual, a man open to dialogue, convinced supporter of economic policies aimed at social justice and the development of employment", said Mattarella.
    "On this anniversary, I wish to express the sense of most intense participation and closeness to the family, to those who were his friends, to those who commendably continue to promote the heritage of research and thought" left by the professor, continued the head of State.
    "In their aberrant ideological fanaticism, the Red Brigades conceived the deadly attacks against a defenceless person due to his ideas and the contribution he was making to the country's choices.
    "Tarantelli was chosen as a target because he was a connection between society and Institutions, as he was convinced that dialogue could spearhead a better development, strengthening rather than weakening social cohesion.
    "Ezio Tarantelli - who was dedicated to the University and students - thus became a martyr of democracy: his testimony remains forever in the Republic's memory", concluded the president.
    Tarantelli, 43, a leading adviser to labour union CISL, was machine-gunned by two men in a parking lot of Rome's La Sapienza university after he gave a lecture.
    The economist died on arrival at the nearby Policlinico Hospital following the attack claimed by the Red Brigades group. (ANSA).