Probe into Rome mayoral data hacker

(ANSA) - Rome, November 10 - Rome prosecutors opened an investigation Monday after Mayor Ignazio Marino charged someone "manipulated and falsified" his data in the city's computerized list of permits to drive in the city center. Eight 80-euro fines were slapped on Marino's car after he allegedly forgot to renew the permit. But the mayor says someone deleted from the system his authorization to drive his red Fiat Panda to work while his permit was being renewed. The incident came to light after opposition New Centre Right (NCD) Senator Andrea Augelio accused authorities of "freezing" the fines as a favor to the center-left mayor, who has incensed many by extending pedestrian zones in Rome's historic center.
    The city replied that it is normal practice for such fines to be suspended pending a self-defense motion by the citizen who got fined.