The interrogations of the mayor of Tremestieri Etneo Santi Rando and Piero Cosentino, who ended up in prison yesterday in the Pandora blitz on charges of mafia political exchange votes, have just concluded. The mayor, defended by Tommaso Tamburino, made use of the right not to respond but made long spontaneous statements. “He denied – argues the defender – that he had ever asked criminals for electoral support in 2015. He informed the judge – adds Tamburino – that in the next few days he will resign from the position of mayor, in order to be able to defend himself with greater serenity from the accusations that come against him moves, certain of clarifying his position with the magistrates”. The prefect of Catania suspended him from office yesterday, together with the city councilor Mario Ronsisvalle, who is under house arrest.
The second interrogation
Pietro Alfio Cosentino also chose not to respond, believed to be the representative of the Santapaola-Ercolano clan in Tremestieri Etneo who would have “worked to ensure compliance with precise electoral agreements preparatory to the election” of the mayor. However, Cosentino also wanted to clarify his position “highlighting – says the defense – that the accusations are unfounded. His electoral campaigns have always been clean and far from certain logic”, concluded the defense lawyer Giovanni Avila, announcing the appeal to the Review.
In the next few hours and days, the interrogations of the other 9 suspects subjected to house arrest or recipients of interdictory measures will take place. Luca Sammartino will be heard by the investigating judge tomorrow morning.
Tags: Pandora investigation investigating judge mayor Santi Rando respond announces resign
