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

The killing has shocked residents of Corsica, an island of 350,000 people, despite a history of violence. Over the past three years, 35 people have been fatally shot on the island, contributing to one of France's highest murder rates. While Corsicans have grown accustomed to vendettas and underworld shootings, the circumstances of Orsoni's death have stunned many.

Orsoni had returned from exile in Nicaragua to attend his mother's funeral. His cremation took place yesterday in Ajaccio, following a funeral service with a significant police presence.

Corsica, a Mediterranean island known for its beauty, has struggled with organized clan violence. The incident highlights the ongoing challenges faced by the region in addressing crime and maintaining security. Jo Peraldi, a close friend of Orsoni, expressed disbelief at the events surrounding the funeral.