Claudio Zali stripped of department amid criminal investigation

The Ticino Council of State has stripped State Councillor Claudio Zali of his Department of the Territory following the opening of a criminal investigation by the Public Prosecutor's Office. The investigation concerns alleged offenses against sexual integrity dating back several years. While Zali has not immediately resigned, the government moved to remove his departmental responsibilities to preserve institutional credibility. The department will now be managed by Health Director Raffaele De Rosa.

In a related development, an autopsy has confirmed that a 52-year-old woman found dead in Lake Ceresio on August 18 died from drowning due to acute asphyxia. Toxicology reports revealed high levels of alcohol and the presence of drugs. This woman had previously published audio recordings of Zali discussing acts of violence, an event that contributed to the current political crisis. Authorities are investigating whether there is a connection between her death and the assault report she filed approximately ten days before she died.