pentitismo

pentitismo sm → confessions from terrorists and members of organized crime rackets

pentitismo

The practice of pentitismo first emerged in Italy during the 1970s, a period marked by major terrorist activity. Once arrested, some members of terrorist groups would collaborate with the authorities by providing information in return for a reduced sentence, or indeed for their own reasons. In recent years it has become common practice for members of Mafia organizations to become "pentiti", and special legislation has had to be introduced to provide for the sentencing and personal protection of these informants.