Italian judge identifies misdirection by Senator Scarpinato

A judge in Caltanissetta has issued a ruling regarding allegations of misdirection and interference involving Senator Roberto Scarpinato and former prosecutor Gioacchino Natoli. The ruling comes as part of an investigation into the 1992 mafia massacres, specifically concerning the ‘mafia-appalti’ (mafia-contracts) dossier.

The judge (GIP) noted that intercepted conversations between Scarpinato and Natoli—who were former colleagues at the Palermo Prosecutor's Office—occurred prior to Natoli's hearing before the National Antimafia Commission. While the judge stated that whether a commission member should share upcoming questions with a witness is a matter of political judgment rather than judicial concern, the ruling explicitly identifies Scarpinato’s actions toward Natoli as “attività depistante” (misdirection activity).

The investigation also touched upon Natoli's request to be heard to clarify circumstances regarding a 1992 order to destroy certain interception tapes and records related to investigations coordinated from Massa Carrara.