Italy's Council of State confirms dissolution of Caserta municipality

The Council of State has upheld the decision to dissolve the municipality of Caserta due to infiltration by organized crime. The ruling rejects an appeal by former mayor Carlo Marino, confirming the validity of the evidence that led to the government's initial dissolution order.

Judges reviewed various allegations, including improper relationships with criminal environments, irregularities in public contracts, and the conduct of certain municipal officials. While the former mayor argued that the Belforte clan had been disbanded, the court found that police reports document the persistent presence of the Belforte clan and other organizations, such as the Casalesi clan, in the area.

Specific instances cited include road connection works awarded to a company linked to an entrepreneur considered collusive with the Zagaria clan, as well as issues regarding the management of city parking lots, where company owners were reportedly related to members of the Casalesi clan.