The Sleaze Factor: Rome judge targets ex-Communists
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.ROME - Italy's Tangentopoli scandal came full circle yesterday as judges opened investigations into the former Communist Party, the Democratic Party of the Left (PDS), which has remained largely unscathed, writes Fiona Leney.
The party leadership immediately protested that the inquiry was the result of government pressure.
The senior prosecutor for Rome, Michele Coiro, requested copies of accounts kept before and after the party's transformation as part of inquiries into possible illegal funding. Both Achille Occhetto, former party leader, and Massimo D'Alema, who took over from him, will be questioned. Mr Coiro emphasised yesterday that the inquiry was 'a necessary but routine act'.
The announcement comes after bitter government complaints that the judiciary has favoured the left and persecuted the Fininvest business empire of the Prime Minister, Silvio Berlusconi.
Left-wing deputies were adamant yesterday that the government was targeting the biggest opposition party to 'encourage' a blanket amnesty, in effect bringing the Tangentopoli saga to a close.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments