Abuse of office is such an evanescent
crime that it only serves to complicate investigations and slow
them down, Justice Minister Carlo Nordio said on Saturday.
"Abuse of office was, and still is, such an evanescent offence
that it only complicates things without helping in the
slightest," said Nordio, speaking in Taormina.
On the contrary, he said the crime merely "obstructing
investigations because it clogs up public prosecutor's offices
with useless files, using up energy that should instead be
directed towards offences requiring greater attention," he
added.
Nordio is set to present a bill reforming aspects of Italy's
legal system to Premier Giorgia Meloni's cabinet that includes,
among other things, the abolition of the crime of abuse of
office on grounds it is too vague and discourages local
politicians and civil servants from signing off on projects due
to fears they
will end up under investigation, thus causing "economic damage
that affects citizens".
Other measures set out in the bill reportedly include a
clampdown on the publication of information obtained from
wiretaps and limitations to the scope of the crime of influence
peddling and to the ability of prosecutors to appeal against
acquittals for less serious crimes.
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