Former Red Brigades member escapes house arrest in Argentina

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Leonardo Bertulazzi’s extradition to serve a 27-year prison sentence was approved by Argentina’s Supreme Court last year.

He got onto the second-floor terrace of a neighbouring house on Tuesday, climbed down to a first-floor terrace, made his way to a vacant lot and escaped onto the street by climbing over a gate, police said

Authorities did not immediately detect his escape after he tampered with his electronic ankle monitor, placing it inside a device containing a thermal blanket to maintain its temperature and grease or animal fat apparently intended to retain moisture, the officials said.

According to Argentinian court records, Mr Bertulazzi was convicted in Italy in the 1980s of terrorism-related crimes, resulting in a combined 27-year prison sentence.

The Red Brigades carried out numerous kidnappings and killings in Italy during the 1970s and ’80s.

Argentina’s Security Ministry has offered a reward of 20 million pesos (about £10,000) for information leading to Mr Bertulazzi’s capture.