SWIFT, GRIM JUSTICE

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 489, 19 October 1928, Page 9

SWIFT, GRIM JUSTICE

SHOT AGAINST A WALL_ ITALIAN COMMUNISTS FATE (United P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association) (United Service) Reed. Noon. ROME, Thursday. The Communist Della Maggiora, on a double murder charge, was served with swift justice. He w-as shot against a wall at sunrise this morning. Maggiora’s appeal for a reprieve was not permuted to go to the King. He was sleeping when the gaolers entered his cel lat 6 a.m. He was awakened and led between a file of fully-armed carabiniers to a car and conveyed to the cemetery at Ponte Ruggianesezn, a little village in which he had committed the crimes. Here 600 Fascist Militiamen were drawn up, and fronting them was a firing-squad of twelve Blackshirts with their rifles ready loaded. Maggiora was told to sit in a chair. He obeyed with a fearful oath. After he was blindfolded he asked for a cigarette and then a light. The parish priest advanced to administer the last sacraments. Maggiora repulsed him with biting taunts.

He was then tied to the chair, cursing his eenmies. As he uttered the last profanity, the oflicer gave the order to fire. Maggiore fell dead, and was buried in the cemetery. Maggiora, who came from France, had said he intended to go on shooting Fascists until he was arrested.