Former Italian mayor Domenico Lucano, who became world famous in 2015 for taking immigrants into his village to combat an aging population, has been sentenced to 13 years and two months in prison. Lucano, 63, was on trial for abuse of office, fraud, embezzlement and complicity in illegal immigration.
The prison sentence is considerably higher than the almost eight years in prison that the Public Prosecution Service had demanded. His partner must also go to jail: she has been sentenced to four years and four months. In addition, the former mayor has to repay half a million euros in European and Italian subsidies.
Lucano spoke after hearing the verdict of an “unprecedented” case, which devastated his life. “I am being punished for sins I did not commit. I have devoted my life to pursuing my ideals, fighting the mafia and improving the image of my country. Now I am dead inside.”
world news
As mayor, Lucano was actively involved in bringing migrants into his aging home village of Riace. It started in the 1990s with Kurdish refugees, later other groups followed. At the end of his term, in 2018, 300 migrants lived in the mountain village of 1900 inhabitants. His initiative was followed with interest by proponents and by opponents with distaste.
During the refugee crisis in 2015, Riace’s project became world news. Several mayors followed suit and invited migrants to their aging villages. A year later, Fortune magazine included Lucano in a list of the 50 most influential people in the world.
Three years ago, he was arrested for promoting illegal immigration. He is said to have helped organize marriages of convenience and hand out forged identity cards. In his project, he was also irresponsible with public money, was the indictment.
Three days before local elections
According to Lucano’s lawyers, there is no question of a political trial against his client, but they are convinced that there was “a certain anger” against the politician. They have announced an appeal.
The sentencing comes at a sensitive time. Regional elections will be held next Sunday and Monday in the region of Calabria, which includes Riace. Lucano is actively campaigning for the left-wing regional presidential candidate Luigi de Magistris, who is currently mayor of Naples.
Matteo Salvini, the leader of the right-wing populist Lega, alerts his followers to it on social media at that the left is co-led by someone who has been sentenced to 13 years in prison. Refugee organizations, on the other hand, are displeased with the verdict. The NGO Mediterranea Saving Humans calls it a “shameless” statement. Sea Watch Italy also expresses support for Lucano.
–
