Marcello De Vito was arrested in March under the new Italian anti-corruption law Spazzacorrotti, known as the “Bribe Destroyer,” passed in January.
The law takes a firm stance on punishing public officials who take bribes and extended the definition of who is considered part of a foreign government. Any public official who is imprisoned for more than two years is barred from running for office in the future.
Ironically, the 5 Star Movement, the ruling populist party, hailed the anti-corruption law as a ”revolutionary” step in fighting corruption, only to have one of their own become one of its first victims.
De Vito is accused of taking bribes in order to advance capital projects across Rome, including the football stadium, Reuters reported in March. The 5 Star Movement immediately called for De Vito’s expulsion from the party.
The law continued to call for further transparency within the Italian government. Political parties must publish online candidate profiles, including criminal records, financial statements and structural reports. Parties must also report any kind of financial contribution of over 500 euros (US$562.35).
