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

The killing has shocked residents of the Mediterranean island, despite a history of violence. Corsica, with a population of 350,000, has seen 35 fatal shootings in the past three years, contributing to one of France's highest murder rates. While Corsicans are accustomed to vendettas and underworld conflicts, the circumstances of Orsoni's death have stunned many.

Orsoni's cremation took place yesterday after a funeral service in Ajaccio, under heavy police presence. The violence underscores the persistent challenge of organized crime on the island. Jo Peraldi, a close friend of Orsoni, expressed disbelief at the events surrounding the funeral.

Corsica has long struggled with clan violence, casting a shadow over its picturesque landscapes. The island's history is marked by nationalist movements and associated criminal activities. The investigation into Orsoni's death is ongoing.