Former Liguria Governor Strikes Plea Deal in Corruption Case

Giovanni Toti, the former centre-right governor of Italy's Liguria region, has reached a plea bargain in a corruption case, resulting in 1,500 hours of community service and an €84,000 fine. Accused of accepting bribes, Toti denied the allegations but resigned in July after nine years in office.

Giovanni Toti, the former centre-right governor of Italy's Liguria region, has settled a corruption case through a plea bargain, his lawyer announced Friday. Initially facing a prison term of over two years, Toti will now complete 1,500 hours of community service and pay an €84,000 fine.

In May, Toti was arrested for allegedly receiving more than €70,000 from a businessman in a scheme involving port terminal contracts, building permits, and a beach concession. Despite denying the charges, Toti resigned in July following a nine-year tenure and was set to stand trial in November.

Expressing mixed emotions about the plea deal, Toti stated, 'Like all transactions, it arouses contrasting feelings: the bitterness of not fully proving my innocence and the relief of seeing many arguments accepted.' Under Italian law, plea bargaining does not equate to an admission of guilt and requires judicial approval, which is typically granted.

(With inputs from agencies.)