Forza Italia senator accused of violence, La Russa opens an internal investigation

The senator of Forza Italia Francesco Silvestro firmly rejects the journalistic reconstruction regarding an alleged investigation against him for the alleged crime of sexual violencewhich arose from a woman’s complaint. The denial came through his lawyer, the lawyer Roberto Guidafollowing an article published by the newspaper the Republic.

Through an official note from his defender, the parliamentarian expressed his official position:

The senator’s position

“With reference to the article published today signed by Conchita Sannino, the senator expresses his astonishment and declares his total ignorance of the facts. He clarifies that he has no news of the pending proceedings against him. In any case, if necessary, he is ready to clarify every aspect in the appropriate places. And he reserves all actions to protect his reputation and image”

Activation of procedures in the Senate

The affair immediately activated the heads of the institutions. The President of the Senateafter learning of the circumstances from the press, initiated the internal procedures envisaged for the protection and conduct of the members of the Assembly. With an official note, the presidency announced the activation of the inspection bodies Palazzo Madama:

Note from the Presidency

“Pursuant to the combined provisions of article 67 of the Regulation and articles 2 and 8 of the code of conduct, he asked the Senators Quaestors to proceed with the necessary investigations for the subsequent assessments falling within the competence of the Presidential Council. To this end, the President and the Quaestors will meet next Tuesday”

Political reactions

On the political front, the case raised immediate reactions from parliamentary minorities. The president of the group of Democratic Party in the Senate, Francesco Bocciaissued a statement of strong concern, aligning itself with the positions already expressed by her party colleagues:

Declaration of the Democratic Party

“I read the article in La Repubblica by Conchita Sannino. If what was reported were true we would be faced with a very serious matter. Obviously we are waiting for the judiciary to carry out its work and ascertain the truth. Therefore I agree word for word with the considerations and assessments that all the senators of the Democratic Party group have expressed in a note”.