Former Puglia Governor Nichi
Vendola was among 44 people sent to trial Thursday on charges of
environmental disaster at Taranto's Ilva steel works.
Vendola is accused of aggravated abuse of office, judicial
sources said.
He allegedly leant on the head of the regional
environmental protection agency Arpa, Giorgio Assennato, to tone
down reports on the toxic effects of emissions from Ilva.
Assennato has also been indicted, for alleged aiding and
abetting.
Vendola, leader of the small, leftwing Left, Ecology and
Freedom (SEL) party, has frequently denounced polluting
conditions at the works but has also underscored its importance
as the city's largest employer.
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