ROME – Interior Minister Matteo Salvini has stated his defence of the Carabinieri despite strong evidence of a cover up of the maltreatment of Stefano Cucchi, who died whilst in police custody in 2009, reports say.

 “I will never admit that the possible error of one would allow the sacrifice and commitment of thousands to be tarnished,” Salvini said at the celebration of the 40th anniversary of GIS (Special Intervention Group of the Carabinieri) on Friday. “Nothing and nobody,” the Deputy Prime Minister continued, “can question your honour, your devotion and your loyalty.”

 Commander General of the Carabinieri Giovanni Nistri echoed Salvini’s words in his speech that closed the ceremony, saying “110 thousand people (who work as Carabinieri officers) are many more than the few who forget the path of virtue.” The General was also resolute in his willingness to restore faith in the police force, stating that, were it to be ascertained that its “values had been opposed, we must act…and isolate those responsible.”

 Last year the Insider reported that a second enquiry into Cucchi’s death led to three Carabinieri officers being charged with homicide and abuse of authority (http://www.italianinsider.it/?q=node/4883).  

 Since then, reports have emerged that another member of the organisation was involved in covering up aspects of the case. Files presented on Friday allege that a Carabinieri officer, in a recorded conversation, said that a superior officer had sent a health report on Cucchi that was modified.

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