Alain Orsoni, 71, a former nationalist leader, was fatally shot during his mother's funeral service in Vero, Corsica. The incident occurred as mourners gathered in the village, a half-hour drive from Ajaccio, the capital of the Mediterranean island. Orsoni, who had returned from exile in Nicaragua to attend the funeral, was struck by a single shot fired from nearby scrubland, according to AFP reports.

The killing has shocked residents of Corsica, an island familiar with organized crime and vendettas. Over the past three years, 35 people have been fatally shot on the island of 350,000, resulting in one of France's highest murder rates. However, the brazen nature of Orsoni's assassination, during a funeral service, has stunned even those accustomed to the island's violent history.

Corsica, while known for its beauty, has long struggled with clan violence. The circumstances surrounding Orsoni's death highlight the ongoing challenges faced by the region in combating organized crime. Orsoni was cremated after a subsequent funeral service in Ajaccio, which was heavily guarded by police. A close friend, Jo Peraldi, expressed disbelief at the events, struggling to reconcile the emotional weight of the day with the violence that transpired.

The investigation into Orsoni's murder is ongoing. Authorities are working to determine the motive behind the assassination and identify the shooter. The incident has renewed concerns about security on the island and the need for increased efforts to address organized crime.