Severed Horse Head and Dead Livestock Found in Suspected Sicilian Mafia Threat

A construction contractor near Palermo discovered butchered animals on his property, with authorities linking the act to mafia intimidation tactics.

A severed horse's head was placed in a digger owned by a Sicilian construction contractor, alongside a quartered cow and its dead calf, in the town of Altofonte near Palermo.
Authorities believe the gruesome display is a mafia intimidation tactic, a practice with a long history in Sicily, often targeting individuals in the construction and sanitation industries.
The contractor, who has not been publicly identified for safety reasons, reported no prior threats and frequently works on municipal projects aimed at avoiding mafia-linked firms.
The act follows the recent release of 20 convicted mafia members from prison, with officials warning of potential retaliation by these individuals.
The mayor of Altofonte condemned the act as 'barbaric,' likening it to medieval practices, while police continue investigations into the incident.