Information About

Omerta




It is common, in such areas, that after a Mafia-related Murder no one will be able to remember hearing or seeing anything, and no one will be willing to talk to the police.

The origin of the word is often traced to Spanish , meaning ''manliness''. In English , it is often rendered ''omerta'', without an accent.

Among Mafia members, it means that they will not involve the Police or the Government in the affairs of the Mafia, and will deny its very existence. Joe Valachi was the first person to betray the ''omertà'' when in 1963 he publicly spoke out about the existence of the Mafia, when he testified before the United States Congress . Within Mafia culture, breaking the oath of ''omertà'' is punishable by death.

''omertà'' likely influenced the recent movement of '' Stop Snitchin' '', which works very same way.


IN POPULAR CULTURE


The ''omerta'' has many references in popular culture. These include:

  • ''Omertà'' is the title of a novel written by Mario Puzo , ISBN 0345432401.

  • '' Omerta '' is a Manchester (UK) band.

  • The album '' Viva Emptiness '' by Swedish melancholic doom metal band Katatonia features a song named ''Omerta''.

  • ''Omerta'' is the title of a Season Three episode of the television show Millennium about two "angels" that may have supernatural healing powers.

  • ''Omerta'' is the title of the 5th track on the Album '' Ashes Of The Wake '' by the metal band Lamb Of God .

  • Omerta (MMORPG) is a game played at www.barafranca.com