Perugia court begins trial over rigged university competitions

The criminal trial has commenced in Perugia regarding allegations of rigged academic competitions at the Università per Stranieri di Perugia between 2018 and 2020. The proceedings involve four primary defendants: former rector Giuliana Grego Bolli, professors Stefania Spina and Paolo Di Giovine, and former Department of Human and Social Sciences Director Daniele Piccini.

According to the prosecution, the investigation uncovered a system of mutual favors designed to unfairly benefit specific candidates. Grego Bolli, Spina, and Di Giovine face charges of corruption for acts contrary to official duties. Piccini is accused of undue inducement to give or promise benefits, a charge he shares with Grego Bolli.

The Università per Stranieri has joined the proceedings as a civil party, alongside Cittadinanzattiva Regione Umbria Aps. The court is currently reviewing the admissibility of intercepted communications and witness testimonies. A previous defendant, Federica Annamaria Venier, was sentenced to two years and eight months in prison following a summary trial. The next hearing is scheduled for mid-October.