Mantua Mayor Mattia Palazzi has
had charges of demanding sex for funding a cultural association
dropped, judicial sources said Tuesday.
Palazzi, a member of the centre-left democratic Party (PD),
said he was "relieved" that the case had been shelved.
"I was always sure I could prove my innocence," he said.
he mayor of Mantua has been
accused of demanding sex in exchange for funding for a cultural
association, but his allege victim has defended him.
Palazzi was placed under investigation at the end of November
for allegedly demanding sexual favours in exchange for funding
the local cultural association..
The PD mayor was accused of asking a female representative of
the association for sex, in exchange for municipal funding.
Palazzi denied the charges, saying "I have never asked for
favours from anyone, abusing my role as mayor."
The PD official said "I know that lady but there was never
anything private with her.
"In the end the town council only awarded the patronage of
one of the association's events".
Palazzi's alleged accuser denied reporting him.
"I never made any move against Palazzi," said the woman, the
vice president of the cultural association.
"Indeed, I go further: if false accusations come out against
him I will defend him".
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