Italian minister’s ex-lover banned from Parliament for spy glass filming – Times of India

Maria Rosaria Boccia, whose appointment as chief adviser to her ex-lover and Italy‘s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, led to his resignation, was banned from parliament on Tuesday for allegedly filming inside the chamber with spy glasses.
Boccia was reprimanded by the lower house of parliament for recording videos using glasses equipped with a camera and microphone, which she claimed were intended to give her followers a virtual tour of parliamentary corridors and rooms.
The parliamentary committee stated that Boccia would be barred from entering the building “until otherwise decided by the competent bodies” due to her violation of rules prohibiting the capturing and sharing of photos and videos from within the premises. The committee emphasised that the breach involved “particularly sensitive sites.”

Controversy over appointment

Italy’s culture minister stepped down last week following a scandal over the appointment of his former mistress and businesswoman, Maria Rosaria Boccia, as a top adviser for “major events,” a move he reconsidered due to conflict of interest concerns. Although Sangiuliano initially denied the appointment, he admitted to the affair and to hiring Boccia as an unpaid consultant during an emotional interview with state TV last Wednesday.
Boccia had defended her actions earlier this month on Instagram, asserting that she had done nothing illegal.
The scandal has captured media attention both in Italy and internationally.

Boccia and Sangiuliano affair

Boccia frequently posted photos of herself with Sangiuliano at various events on Instagram and stated in media interviews that she had access to ministry premises and documents in her capacity as a consultant. However, her appointment was never officially formalised.

Investigation launched

Judicial sources revealed to Reuters that prosecutors have launched an investigation against Sangiuliano for possible misuse of public funds and unauthorised disclosure of confidential information. The Court of Auditors is also scrutinizing the matter. Sangiuliano has consistently denied that public funds were used for Boccia and insisted she had no access to classified documents, vowing to take legal action against his former mistress.