Justice Minister Carlo Nordio, now championing a constitutional bill to separate prosecutorial and judicial careers, once publicly opposed the very reform he now advocates. Evidence emerges from a 1994 letter signed by Nordio during his tenure as Venice prosecutor, obtained by judicial magazine ‘La magistratura’. Dated May 3, 1994, the faxed document addressed to Italy’s National Magistrates Association (ANM) declared Nordio and colleagues “opposed to splitting magistrates’ careers between prosecutorial and judicial functions.”
When questioned by ANSA about the discrepancy, Minister Nordio acknowledged his past stance: “During that era of terror attacks and corruption scandals, I believed maintaining judicial unity was crucial. My position shifted in 1995 after a suspect’s suicide in my Venice investigation revealed systemic excesses. Several newspapers reported my changed perspective at the time – I wasn’t alone among magistrates, politicians, or journalists in reconsidering.” Nordio confirmed undergoing a 1997 ANM ethics hearing regarding his revised position.
The revelation surfaces as parliament accelerates deliberations on the career separation bill, with committee review expected next week.
Related developments:
– Judicial council approves protective measures in Almasri case (ANSA)
– Government coalition votes against no-confidence motion over Piccirillo remarks (ANSA)*
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