Pierina Pasotti (born March 28, 1928, Castegnato, Brescia, Italy – died February 24, 1945, Mompiano, Brescia, Italy) was a young Italian partisan during World War II. She is remembered as a symbol of the Resistenza (Italian Resistance Movement) and the sacrifice of young women in the fight against Nazi-Fascist occupation.
Born into a humble family in the province of Brescia, Pasotti became involved with the Resistance movement at a young age, earning the nickname "La Staffetta" (The Courier or Messenger). She performed dangerous duties, transporting messages, supplies, and food to various partisan groups operating in the mountainous and rural areas around Brescia. Her activities were crucial for maintaining communication and logistics among the clandestine units.
In February 1945, as the war neared its end but fighting remained intense, Pierina Pasotti was captured by Nazi-Fascist forces. Following her capture, she was subjected to interrogation and torture but reportedly refused to reveal information about her comrades. On February 24, 1945, she was executed by firing squad at Mompiano, a district of Brescia, alongside other partisans, including Ermanno Reffo. Her execution was part of a series of retaliatory killings carried out by the occupying forces and their collaborators.
Pierina Pasotti is widely commemorated in Italy, particularly in her home region of Brescia, as a martyr of the Resistance. Streets, schools, and plaques bear her name, honoring her bravery and unwavering commitment to freedom and justice. Her story highlights the significant and often overlooked contributions of young women to the Italian Resistance movement.