Carabinieri Colonel Fabio Cagnazzo has personally reaffirmed his “total non-involvement” in the events under investigation concerning the 2010 murder of fisherman-mayor Angelo Vassallo in Acciaroli. Writing on Facebook, Cagnazzo stated he made the declaration “with the serenity and determination that have always accompanied me,” emphasizing this was a personal statement, not one through his lawyers.
Cagnazzo, involved in the Salerno Prosecutor’s Office investigation into the September 5, 2010 slaying, was released from detention last May by order of the Review Court after nearly six months in custody. However, the Salerno Prosecutor’s Office has requested he and other suspects stand trial.
In his post, Cagnazzo expressed heartfelt thanks to friends, colleagues, lifelong associates, and acquaintances for their support and solidarity during this period. He also noted he has reviewed the reasoning issued by the Salerno Review Court following his release.
The colonel highlighted that Italy’s Supreme Court of Cassation, when overturning the Review Court’s earlier order concerning pre-trial detention, had also pointed out “serious deficiencies regarding the gravity of the evidence.” Cagnazzo stressed these deficiencies “cannot be ignored” and declared, “Precisely for this reason, we will appeal again to the Supreme Court of Cassation!!!”
Cagnazzo underscored his service record: “In over thirty years of service, I have never betrayed the oath of loyalty sworn to the Italian Republic and to the good people I still serve – unfortunately wounded, but still convinced!” He described facing a “painful situation” unrelated to him for fifteen years, a case dismissed three times previously by prosecutors. He asserted the truth would emerge from the “over 80,000 pages of case files,” which he lamented almost no one has read.
“Nevertheless, I continue to have faith in Justice. Bitterness does not belong to me!” Cagnazzo concluded.