Rome prosecutors have launched an investigation after former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano filed a complaint against businesswoman Maria Rosaria Boccia.
Rome prosecutors have opened an investigation after former culture minister Gennaro Sangiuliano filed a complaint against businesswoman Maria Rosaria Boccia. Sangiuliano resigned after their affair became public, denying claims that Boccia accessed sensitive information and received public money ahead of the G7 Culture Summit in Pompeii this weekend.
The exact content of the complaint remains unclear, but prosecutors are now reviewing it. The file was sent recently to the prosecutor’s office in Piazzale Clodio, and investigations will begin shortly, sources said.
In recent weeks, Sangiuliano’s lawyer, Silverio Sica, announced the complaint. He claimed “undue pressure” had been exerted by Boccia. “We will also attach documents,” Sica stated, “which demonstrate my client’s complete correctness, including a timeline of the facts.”
This investigation runs alongside another ministerial court case where Sangiuliano faces charges of embezzlement. These charges relate to trips where Boccia accompanied him and the alleged use of official secrets regarding G7 plans.
The administrative courts are also investigating the case. Lazio’s Court of Auditors is reviewing potential financial damage, focusing on Ministry of Culture expenses. This includes the use of official cars and the minister’s guest appearances with Boccia, whom he admitted to being romantically involved with.
Boccia responded on social media, stating she enjoys the satire but is frustrated. “No article has focused on the truth I’m trying to communicate, and no one is listening,” she wrote. She also praised Marina Berlusconi’s letter to La Repubblica, supporting its stance on fake news.
Maria Rosaria Boccia uses social media for her voice
A week ago, Boccia responded on social media to the apparent shift from the ministerial matters to her personal life. In a post, she stated the interaction with the press has always been “dictated” by the former minister.
“I would like to emphasise that the first to send a letter to the newspaper ‘La Press’ was the Minister, and I, having no other means, responded through my social channels. Then the Minister released an interview to the newspaper, and I responded in the same newspaper. Later, the Minister released a 17-minute interview to TG1, using the public service for a personal matter, and I accepted an interview on La7.
He has always dictated the times and the ways. I never used instant injustice to gain popularity, I only answered to defend myself.”
