President of the Republic, Ilir Meta on the way from Palermo to 'Hora e Arbëreshëve' stopped at the memorial of "Portella della Ginestra". 

Meta has honoured the memory of the innocent victims of one of the bloodiest massacres in the modern history of Italy, of May 1, 1947. 

"On the way from Palermo to the 'Hora e Arbëresheve' (Piana degli Albanesi), the Arbëresh capital of Sicily, I could not stop placing a bouquet of flowers at the Portella della Ginestra memorial to honour the memory of the innocent victims of one of the bloodiest massacres in the modern history of Italy, of May 1, 1947. 

I am proud of the sublime sacrifices and the contribution of the Arbëresh Community of Sicily in the fight against the mafia, the support of the rule of law and democracy in this region and throughout Italy", writes President Meta on social media.

The 'Portella della Ginestra' massacre was one of the most violent acts in the history of modern Italian politics, when 11 people were killed and 27 wounded during May Day celebrations in Sicily on May 1, 1947, in the municipality of Piana degli Albanesi. Those held responsible were the bandit and separatist leader Salvatore Giuliano and his gang - although their motives and intentions are still a matter of controversy.