Mussolini heir calls for inquest

A lawyer acting for Guido Mussolini lodged the request to carry out a full investigation with a court in Como, northern Italy.

Mussolini and mistress Clara Petacci were captured by partisans on 26 April 1945 near Como and shot two days later.

But there are conflicting accounts of the exact chain of events.

Guido Mussolini has denied earlier reports that his request had included a demand for the body of his grandfather to be exhumed.

"I am totally opposed to the idea the body be exhumed," he told an Italian state radio station on Tuesday.

"Also, I think it is impossible because it is covered in concrete.

"I only wish to know, as a human being, who assassinated my grandfather, that's it. I want first name, second name, where, when and why."

Buried truths

Walter Audisio, also known as Colonel Valerio, was said to have killed Mussolini after being given orders to do so.

But Guido Mussolini's lawyer said research showed Mr Audisio was not mentioned as the executioner until two years after the dictator's death.

Guido Mussolini, 69, is the son of "Il Duce's" second son, Vittorio.

Benito Mussolini was caught after his regime had crumbled. It is said partisans were ordered to execute him.

After his execution, Mussolini, Ms Petacci and some of their close associates were taken to Milan and publicly hanged in Piazzale Loreto.

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