Venice Mayor Brugnaro 'astounded' by probe

(see related) (ANSA) - ROME, JUL 16 - Venice Mayor Luigi Brugnaro said Tuesday that he was "astounded" that he had been put under investigation in a corruption probe, saying he had done nothing wrong.
    "In my heart and in conscience, I know that I have always undertaken, and will continue to undertake, the office of mayor as a service to the community, for free, always putting public interests first," Brugnaro said in a statement.
    He also dismissed the hypothesis that he may be acted wrongfully in relation to building permits and town planning decisions regarding the city's Pili area as "totally unfounded".
    "As you know, and as I have publicly explained, it was already possible to build in this area before my administration'," he said. (ANSA).