Part 4/6:
Mussolini tasked Cesare Mori, a policeman with a history of battling the Mafia, with enforcing his will on the Sicilian populace. Empowered with unprecedented authority by Mussolini, Mori launched an aggressive campaign that essentially disregarded existing legal frameworks.
His tactics were ruthless, involving the siege of towns like Gangi, where he aimed to root out Mafiosi through intimidation, violence, and public humiliation. Massive arrests ensued, with Mori capturing thousands of suspects—often without adequate cause—creating an atmosphere of fear. While Mussolini celebrated these victories, the methodical removal of the Mafia’s influence was more a façade than a permanent solution.