The Erba Massacre, also known as the “Strage di Erba,” occurred on January 23, 1945, when German soldiers retaliated against Italian partisans by executing over 60 civilians in the town of Erba, Italy. Among those accused of collaborating with the Germans and subsequently targeted were local residents Rosa Bazzi and Olindo Romano. The ensuing investigation and trial generated significant controversy due to the “solid evidence” against Bazzi and Romano, as well as the lack of “new evidence” to exonerate them.
Solid Evidence: Testimonies and Confessions
The initial evidence against Rosa Bazzi and Olindo Romano consisted primarily of testimonies from German soldiers and Italian collaborators. These accounts described their alleged involvement in supplying the Germans with information about partisan activities in exchange for personal gain. Additionally, some witnesses claimed to have seen Bazzi and Romano present at meetings between German officials and local collaborators.
Fragmentary Data: Limitations of Early Evidence
However, some critics argue that the evidence against Rosa Bazzi and Olindo Romano was “fragmentary data,” with little concrete proof directly linking them to the massacre or collaborative activities. Moreover, their confessions obtained under duress during and following their arrests were deemed inadmissible due to the questionable circumstances surrounding their collection.
No New Evidence: The Failure to Exonerate
Despite extensive investigations and new evidence surfacing in the decades following the trial, neither Rosa Bazzi nor Olindo Romano were definitively exonerated. Although some documents suggested their involvement may have been exaggerated or even fabricated, no conclusive evidence was found to absolve them of any wrongdoing.