'Blasphemy' to say Toti must prove innocence says Nordio

It is "blasphemy" to say that Liguria
Governor Giovanni Toti must prove his innocence in a graft
probe, since it is instead up to prosecutors to prove his guilt,
Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said Friday.

   
"It has struck me that some people expect the suspect to prove
his innocence, and this is blasphemy in a democratic society,"
said Nordio, a former prosecutor.

   
"It is the accuser who must prove the guilt of the suspect."
Toti, a member of a small centre right party, was placed under
house arrest on suspicion of granting favours in exchange for
votes and cash.

   

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