Paolo Magro, the gup of Palermo, sentenced Laura Bonafede, a teacher from Campobello di Mazara, to 11 years and 4 months in jail for mafia association. Bonafede, the daughter of the area's ancient boss, had a romantic relationship with Matteo Messina Denaro, a well-known mafia boss. Initially accused of helping and abetting, the teacher witnessed the accusation escalate into a mafia association. Piero Padova and Gianluca De Leo, the prosecutors, had requested a 15-year sentence; however, the trial was conducted with a shortened procedure. According to the investigation, Bonafede is believed to have met with Messina Denaro, who was then a fugitive, up until just days before his capture. Evidence from the "pizzini" (small notes) found in the boss’s last hideout suggests that the two may have even lived together. Furthermore, it is alleged that Bonafede managed the mafia boss’s correspondence, keeping his contacts with other affiliates active and helping to cover his fugitive status. Before the sentencing, Bonafede denied the accusations of belonging to Cosa Nostra and cohabiting with Messina Denaro, asking the judge to carefully consider her situation. “I have never been part of any mafia organization, nor have I ever lived with anyone. I lived with my mother until 2021 and would never have left home", she stated. Addressing the judge, she added, “I hope to find in you the ‘Berlin judge’ that we all hope to encounter".