Giulio Andreotti

Many Italians see Giulio Andreotti as the keeper of state secrets, possibly best left unknown, that may have contributed to the nation’s postwar recovery.

Mr. Andreotti, who epitomized postwar Italy’s contradictions, helped usher the country into wealth but also played a part in the spread of cronyism.

Reality in Italy is all in the head. Elections come and go. Human difference, thankfully, endures.

“Il Divo” is a flamboyant biographical fantasy about Giulio Andreotti, the scandal-ridden seven-time Italian prime minister.

Italy's highest court clears former Prime Min Giulio Andreotti of murder charge, overturning previous conviction; he had been accused of conspiring with Mafia in 1979 killing of journalist who was supposedly investigating him, charge he has always denied; surprising twists and turns of his legal odyssey have intensified national debate about degree to which prosecutors and judges might be politically motivated (S)

Former seven-time Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti is once again cleared of connections with Italian mafia by Sicilian appeals court; Andreotti's sentence of 24 years in prison for his involvement in 1979 murder of Italian journalist is being appealed; photo (S)

Italian Mafia turncoat testifies that former Prime Min Giulio Andreotti protected mob while in office; Andreotti, 83, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison for role in 1974 mob murder; photo (S)

Italian Appeals Court Judge Lino Gabriele Verrina receives death threat after conviction of former Prime Min Guilio Andreotti for involvement in 1979 killing (S)

Many Italians are upset by appeals court ruling overturning former Prime Min Giulio Andreotti's acquittal in 1979 murder of journalist and sentencing him to 24 years in prison; worry peculiarly combative relationship between prosectors and politicians may have gone too far; Prime Min Silvio Berlusconi and Communist leader Fausto Bertinotti both score decision; Andreotti continues to deny wrongdoing; photo (M)

Italian appeals court overturns acquittal of former Prime Min Giulio Andreotti in connection with 1979 murder and sentences him to 24 years in prison; court determines that Andreotti instigated killing of journalist about to publish damaging information about him that might have ruined his political career; Andreotti has denied charge and says he will appeal; photo (S)