Italian court says ex-government minister committed no crime in buying luxury apartment

ROME – A Rome court has ruled that a former government minister committed no crime in purchasing a luxury apartment with a view of the Colosseum.

Claudio Scajola, who in 2010 resigned as industry minister in a former government of Silvio Berlusconi, said Tuesday he felt "relief but not satisfaction" over the acquittal.

Prosecutors had contended that a businessman under investigation for corruption underwrote the purchase of the apartment, and that Scajola paid far below its market value. The court on Monday ruled that Scajola committed no crime.

The apartment became a symbol of Italian politicians' privileged lives.

Scajola told state radio the probe upset him so much that he didn't set foot for years in the apartment, which is now for sale.