Battaglia, Letizia (1935–)

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Battaglia, Letizia (1935–)

Italian photojournalist. Born 1935 in Palermo, Sicily; dau. of a navy officer; married and sep.; children: 3 daughters.

As photography director of Palermo's left-wing daily, L'Ora, began to document atrocities committed by the Sicilian Mafia; despite continuous threats, photographed hundreds of crime scenes during a bloody period in Palermo (1974–90); her photos had an enormous influence on the anti-Mafia campaign and some were put in evidence against Giulio Andreotti, the corrupt prime minister of Italy; also known for her photos of street life; founded the publishing house, Edizioni della Battaglia; books include Passion, Justice, Freedom: Photographs of Sicily (1999). Received Lifetime Achievement Award (1999).