The Five-Star Movement (M5S) on
Monday published a code of conduct for elected members under
investigation stating that involvement in a probe doesn't
automatically imply disciplinary sanctions
The six-point document released by the movement's leader and
founder Beppe Grillo will be voted online by M5S members on
Tuesday.
Under the draft ethical code, the fact that a member is
formally placed under investigation or notified that a probe
involving him or her has been completed, "does not imply an
automatic evaluation of gravity" or sanctions.
Grillo, who acts as the movement's so-called 'guarantor', a
three-member body of guarantee and a committee of appeal will
decide according to each case, depending on the investigation
and on the member's role.
M5S members can face disciplinary action even if they are
still under investigation if their conduct has been determined
to go against the movement's principles and image, the
regulation states.
According to the draft code of conduct, a criminal conviction
for felonious crimes, except for crimes of opinion, is
automatically considered to be "serious and incompatible" with
an elected post, even if it is issued by a court of first
instance.
Elected members can also decide to suspend themselves if they
are under investigation, without such a move implying an
admission of guilt, according to the new rules to be voted
Tuesday.
In addition, M5S members who are notified by the judiciary
that they are under investigation must inform the M5S website's
management of the probe or a conviction.
Any mayor and regional governor elected with the movement
needs to ensure the implementation of the ethical code among
members of their governments, even if they are not M5S members.
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