Former Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, is under investigation by the Rome prosecutor’s office for the crimes of embezzlement and disclosure and dissemination of official secrets. The initiative by the Roman magistrates comes after a report filed by Avs deputy Angelo Bonelli. Given Sangiuliano’s role until a few days ago, the case will be forwarded to the Court of Ministers. The alleged crimes relate to the relationship between the former minister and Maria Rosaria Boccia, who was involved in institutional activities without having an official position. The General Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Auditors of Lazio has also opened a file to investigate any financial damage related to the trips of the former Minister of Culture and his ex-consultant. The focus of the magistrates includes hotel stays, trips, lunches, dinners, and the possible use of the official car.
The pool of audit magistrates in Lazio, coordinated by prosecutor Paolo Rebecchi, will also pay attention to Sangiuliano’s complaint against Maria Rosaria Boccia. “It is being elaborated – announced the former minister’s lawyer, lawyer Sica – and we intend to file it for the attention of the magistrates at the beginning of next week.” It is not excluded that the former director of TG2 could personally go to the offices of the Public Prosecutor’s Office to file the document along with a series of documents and files that, according to the defense, meticulously reconstruct the chronology of events. “We will demonstrate the absolute correctness of my client’s conduct,” says the lawyer, who then retaliates, “It is undeniable that the former minister, in my opinion, was subjected to illicit pressures from Maria Rosaria Boccia.” After this announcement, Boccia wrote on social media: “Genny has not yet apologized to me and continues to threaten a lawsuit. Lawsuits are not threatened, they are filed, and these continuous threats taste like extortion.”
The investigation into Sangiuliano’s alleged involvement in embezzlement and disclosure of official secrets raises questions about the ethical conduct of public officials and their relationships with individuals outside of their official roles. The accusations of financial impropriety and misuse of public resources, such as hotel stays, travel expenses, and the use of official vehicles, suggest potential misconduct on the part of the former minister. The involvement of audit magistrates and the General Prosecutor’s Office of the Court of Auditors highlights the seriousness of the allegations and the need for accountability in the management of public funds.
The potential legal battle between Sangiuliano and Boccia, with each party making accusations and counter-accusations, underscores the complexity of the case and the personal implications for those involved. The threat of a counter-lawsuit and the public airing of grievances on social media indicate a lack of resolution and a desire to defend one’s reputation in the face of damaging allegations. The outcome of this legal conflict will not only affect the individuals directly involved but also have broader implications for public perceptions of government officials and their conduct in office.
As the investigation unfolds and the legal proceedings progress, the public will be watching closely to see how the case is resolved and whether justice is served. The involvement of multiple legal entities, including the prosecutor’s office, the Court of Ministers, and the Court of Auditors, indicates the gravity of the allegations and the need for a thorough examination of the facts. The outcome of this case will have repercussions not only for the individuals directly involved but also for the broader issue of transparency and accountability in government, and the responsibility of public officials to uphold the trust placed in them by the public.
