Elvira Amata corruption trial begins in Palermo

The corruption trial of Elvira Amata, the Sicilian Regional Tourism Councilor and member of Fratelli d'Italia, has commenced at the third section of the Palermo Court. The prosecution alleges that Amata engaged in a corrupt agreement with entrepreneur Marcella Cannariato.

According to prosecutors, Amata received benefits including the employment of her nephew and the coverage of his housing expenses in Palermo. In exchange, Amata allegedly provided 30,000 euros in funding for the “Donna, economia e potere” event, an initiative promoted by the Marisa Bellisario Foundation, where Cannariato served as a regional representative.

Amata has refused to resign, maintaining her innocence and describing herself as “a decent and honest person” who has never engaged in illegal or immoral behavior. The defense has submitted a list of witnesses, which includes the President of the Sicilian Region, Renato Schifani. No request to join as a civil party has been filed. The first hearing lasted only a few minutes, and the proceedings have been adjourned until October 12, with subsequent hearings scheduled to begin on January 13, 2027.