Talk:Corleonesi

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[edit] Sbirro

I don't understand the significance of Riina calling Provenzano a sbirro. Can anyone explain that? Perhaps an explanation should be added to the page. Its a death threat.

"Sbirro" is a general insult aimed at police and anyone who helps them - it can be thought of meaning 'stoolie', 'grass', 'pig' (as in Police) etc. etc.
Author John Dickie dismisses this as a myth, Gionanni Riina didn't say anything. And in fact in the list found on Salvatore Lo Piccolo, Provenzano is still listed as the capo of the Corleone cosca, which would hardly be likely if general opinion was that he was a sbirro.
Furthermore, as Giovanni Riina is probably held under the bis41 regime (isolation, 22 hour lockdown) it's difficult to know how he knew Provenzano was entering the same cell block.
As such I'm proposing to remove this reference. Sean O'Casaidhe 14:00, 9 November 2007 (UTC)

I don't think it should be removed. It was reported in many newspapers. However, if some think this did not happen this can be added to the article. - Mafia Expert 18:13, 14 November 2007 (UTC)

Adding in "According to press reports", as this indicates that this reference orginates from the newspapers. Hopefully this will allow this allegation to be included, without it being stated as fact. Sean O'Casaidhe (talk) 09:04, 30 May 2008 (UTC)