The Compass

The Compass (Rosa dei Venti, RDV) was an early neo-fascist group based in northern Italy with its headquarters in Padua. Like other militant groups on the right, it sought to overthrow the Italian state and replace it with a fascist regime, using terrorism as a tactic to cast suspicion on the left and prompt state repression. Its membership included retired officers of Mussolini's army as well as common criminals. It was also suspected of ties to Italian public figures and secret service members through the Masonic Lodge Propaganda Due. It was active for only five years before most of its leadership was arrested.