Rome's 5-Star movement mayor cleared of abuse of office
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Rome's embattled mayor has been indicted on a charge of making false statements regarding a City Hall appointment, but prosecutors shelved a more serious charge of abuse of office.
Mayor Virginia Raggi expressed satisfaction Thursday that the more serious charge had been dropped "after months of mud-slinging."
The investigation had been a blow to the reputation of Italy's populist 5-Star Movement and its highest office-holder. The movement's founder, Beppe Grillo, said he was happy that Raggi "was able to demonstrate her innocence."
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The investigation involved the appointment of Renato Marra as director of Rome's tourism department. Marra's brother headed city hall's personnel office until he was arrested in a corruption probe last month. Raggi has said that she alone decided the appointment.