Sicilian Deputy Governor Luca
Sammartino was suspended from exercising public roles for one
year by a judge on Wednesday after being put under investigation
for alleged corruption.
Sammartino is also the regional agriculture chief and a leading
member of the League party in Sicily.
The measure was imposed in relation to an investigation in which
other people are suspected of cutting deals in exchange for
votes, bribery and incitement to bribery, with the use of mafia
methods an alleged aggravating factor.
Province of Catania Carabinieri police on Wednesday executed
orders limiting the freedom of 11 people in relation to the
case.
These include Santi Rando, the mayor of the town of Tremestieri
Etneo, who was arrested, while his opponent-turned-ally Mario
Ronsisvalle was put under house arrest.
Sammartino said he had written to Governor Renato Schifani
resigning from his positions.
"I thank the President for the trust he has shown in me and for
the work done so far," he said.
"I would like to emphasize that I am not involved in any mafia
or vote-trading offences.
"I am calm and certain that it will be shown that I have nothing
to do with these events, dating back five years".
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