Clemente Mastella

In March 2026, an external municipal manager appointed on a discretionary basis was caught in the act and arrested in an extortion by a public official (concussione) case. In June, the municipality's secretary-general was suspended during a separate investigation into corruption and procurement irregularities. The opposition directly questioned the political responsibility of Mastella's administration, and in the second case some called for his resignation.

Role of the person profiled

Protagonist not prosecuted

The International Association of Exorcists criticised the 'streghe/Janare' festival supported in Benevento, arguing that it trivialised or promoted occultism and was incompatible with Christian tradition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

The municipal opposition and ANPI criticised a series of public places named after Christian Democracy figures and the absence of a square dedicated to Giacomo Matteotti, accusing Mastella of an 'occupation of the city's memory'.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

In a case notably involving public contributions towards publication of the party newspaper, Mastella stood trial for misappropriation, fraud and wrongful appropriation.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

In January 2008, a broad investigation into appointments in healthcare and other public bodies affected UDEUR and those close to it; Mastella's wife was placed under house arrest, and the minister received formal notification of the investigation. He resigned as Justice Minister and then withdrew UDEUR's support for the Prodi government, contributing to its collapse.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

Clemente and Sandra Mastella stood trial in Benevento in a case linked to the opening of the 'I Sanniti' shopping centre. The corruption allegation notably concerned a donation by Maurizio Zamparini to the Iside Nova association.

Attribution

Accused

Course of the proceedings

1. Formally charged — Formal charge before the current outcome

In the contentious context of the 'Why Not' investigation initially led by Luigi de Magistris, Mastella's name appeared among those being examined, intensifying controversy over his request for the prosecutor's transfer.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated

In the investigation into the abduction of imam Abu Omar in Milan, magistrates requested the extradition of dozens of American agents allegedly involved. Following his predecessor Roberto Castelli, Mastella did not forward the requests to US authorities, prompting criticism from Amnesty International and others.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Mastella asked the High Council of the Judiciary to transfer prosecutor Luigi de Magistris urgently and initiate disciplinary action following a ministerial inspection. The decision prompted demonstrations in support of the prosecutor and accusations of political interference in sensitive investigations.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

As Justice Minister, Mastella supported the 2006 indulto and also declared himself in favour of an amnesty. The measure provoked fierce political confrontation, notably with Antonio Di Pietro, and divided both the majority and opposition.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Political responsibility

Following the fall of the Prodi government, Francesco Cossiga's UDR, of which Mastella was a central leader, decided to support the new D'Alema government. Opponents in Parliament condemned this as 'trasformismo' and opportunism, given the party's previous centre-right alliances.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Directly implicated