Libero Grassi was an Italian entrepreneur known for his bravery in opposing the Mafia's extortion schemes in Sicily. Operating a successful textile company, he publicly refused to pay 'pizzo,' a form of protection money demanded by the Mafia. Grassi's courageous stand came at a time when numerous business owners in Palermo surrendered to the demands of organized crime due to fear of violence and retribution. In an interview, he encouraged his fellow business owners to resist mafia pressure and illustrated the detrimental effects of allowing such extortion to persist in the community.

Unfortunately, his outspoken defiance led to tragic consequences. On August 29, 1991, only weeks after his public declarations, Grassi was shot dead in front of his business in Palermo. His assassination served as a chilling reminder of the Mafia's brutal enforcement of its control over local businesses and the dangers faced by those who dare to stand against them. Grassi's murder also sparked widespread outrage, leading to protests and a renewed determination among the Sicilian populace to confront organized crime.

The impact of his stand resonated beyond Palermo, contributing to a growing public discourse about the need to combat the Mafia's influence in Italian society. After his death, many citizens and civic organizations began to rally for stronger government actions against organized crime, marking a pivotal moment in the Sicilian struggle for justice and reform.