A Milan court on Monday handed
former Lombardy governor and former interior minister Roberto
Maroni a suspended one-year prison term.
Maroni was also fined 450 euros over alleged pressure to
obtain payment for a trip to Tokyo and a job contract
respectively for two people who worked for him when he was at
the interior ministry, Maria Grazia Paturzo and Mara Carluccio.
Maroni was convicted of disturbing the freedom of choice of
contracting parties.
Defence lawyer Domenico Aiello said the former governor was
relieved as he had been cleared of the felony of undue
inducement to give or promise benefits, which he said was "one
of the most serious crimes" a politician can be charged with.
"I have been acquitted and convicted at the same time for
something I never did," Maroni said.
"I'm a disappointed but not discouraged.
"I reiterate that i had nothing to do with any wrongdoing and
that is precisely the reason that I am certain I will be
completely acquitted on appeal".
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