Jailed Sicilian mafia "boss of bosses" Salvatore Riina, 85, is seriously ill in hospital and won't be able to testify this week at the trial into the 1992 slaying of anti-mafia magistrate Paolo Borsellino, Riina's lawyer said on Tuesday. The next trial hearing is due to be held on Thursday.
Riina, who is serving 12 life sentences under Italy's tough high-security regime for mafia convicts is currently incarcerated in a prison in the northern Italian city of Parma. He was admitted to hospital there on Sunday with breathing problems and is undergoing oxygen therapy.
He has had three heart bypasses and is said to be suffering from suspected prostate cancer as well as from thyroid back and problems.
His lawyers have for years been asking for Riina's release from jail on health grounds.
Riina was arrested on January 15, 1993, after 23 years on the run.
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