Milan, July 18 (LaPresse) – “He certainly believes he is the victim of an injustice and of an excessively harsh sentence, and I believe he is right.” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini made the remarks after leaving Bollate Prison, following a one-and-a-half-hour visit with jeweller Mario Roggero after his first night in custody. “His wife has requested a presidential pardon, and she was right to do so,” Salvini added. “I am convinced that the request can be freely considered by the President of the Republic, who alone has the authority to decide the timing, manner and substance of such a decision. There are also many ways to serve a sentence. At the age of 72, after a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, family and love, I certainly do not believe he will spend years behind bars, and we will do everything we can.” Speaking again about the pardon request, the League leader said: “Roggero is doing well. We are not putting pressure on anyone, nor are we attacking anyone. His wife requested a pardon, and she was right to do so. I am convinced that the President of the Republic, who alone has the authority to decide the timing, manner and substance, can consider it freely and at a time of his choosing. There are many ways to serve a sentence, and at 72, after a lifetime of work, I do not think he will spend years in prison.”
Roggero case, Salvini: “The sentence is excessive; I don’t think he will spend years in prison”
Milan, July 18 (LaPresse) – “He certainly believes he is the victim of an injustice and of an excessively harsh sentence, and I believe he is right.” Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini made the remarks after leaving Bollate Prison, following a one-and-a-half-hour visit with jeweller Mario Roggero after his first night in custody. “His wife has requested a presidential pardon, and she was right to do so,” Salvini added. “I am convinced that the request can be freely considered by the President of the Republic, who alone has the authority to decide the timing, manner and substance of such a decision. There are also many ways to serve a sentence. At the age of 72, after a lifetime of hard work, sacrifice, family and love, I certainly do not believe he will spend years behind bars, and we will do everything we can.” Speaking again about the pardon request, the League leader said: “Roggero is doing well. We are not putting pressure on anyone, nor are we attacking anyone. His wife requested a pardon, and she was right to do so. I am convinced that the President of the Republic, who alone has the authority to decide the timing, manner and substance, can consider it freely and at a time of his choosing. There are many ways to serve a sentence, and at 72, after a lifetime of work, I do not think he will spend years in prison.”
