Toti avails of right not to answer before judge

Liguria Governor Giovanni Toti, who
was put under house arrest in relation to a corruption probe on
Tuesday, exercised the right not to respond in a hearing before
a preliminary investigations judge on Friday, sources said.

   
The case regards alleged bribes in which cash for an election
campaign was exchanged for favours, including the extensions of
a port terminal concession.

   
Like Toti, logistics businessman Aldo Spinelli - the former
chairman of Genoa and Livorno soccer clubs - was put under house
arrest on Tuesday, while former Genoa Port Authority President
Paolo Signorini was jailed.

   
Toti said Tuesday his conscience was "totally clear".

   
Police action against Liguria Governor Giovanni Toti could have
been taken "much sooner", Deputy Premier, Foreign Minister and
centre right Forza Italia (FI) leader Antonio Tajani said
Wednesday saying he shared Justice Minister Carlo Nordio's
doubts about the timing of the former FI member's arrest in a
graft probe.

   

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