Top prosecutor declares his innocence in tender probe case

(ANSA) - ROME, JUL 31 - The president of the Vatican City's tribunal Giuseppe Pignatone told ANSA on Wednesday that he has declared himself innocent in a case involving the alleged cover-up of an investigation into the Mafia and local tenders dating back to 1992.
    The former deputy prosecutor of Palermo and top prosecutor of Reggio Calabria and Rome on Wednesday was questioned by State attorneys in Caltanissetta investigating the case.
    "I declared my innocence on the potential charge of aggravated aiding and abetting.
    "I am committed to contributing, within the limits of my abilities, to investigative efforts of the State attorney's office of Caltanissetta", said Pignatone.
    The magistrate has been placed under investigation by State attorneys in the Sicilian city in connection with the alleged cover-up of the probe.
    A former prosecutor in Palermo, Gioacchino Natoli, and finance police General Stefano Screpanti have also been placed under investigation for allegedly aiding and abetting the Mafia.
    (ANSA).