America News Agency

Italian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Tajani reacted to allegations made by mafia leader Giuseppe Graviano against Silvio Berlusconi in court.

In a statement on his social media account, Tajani described Graviano's allegations against Berlusconi as "vile" and argued that the statements were not credible.

Tajani criticized the fact that Graviano's statements were still being given credence, saying that the allegations had not been substantiated despite years of investigations and verification. Tajani said the statements continued to associate Berlusconi's name with unverified allegations.

Tajani argued that justice should establish facts rather than theories and protect people's dignity, criticizing attempts to damage Berlusconi's reputation while violating his right to a defense.

Tajani also said they would continue their efforts to reform the justice system in order to ensure a fair trial for everyone.

Graviano, testifying as a witness before prosecutors on October 2 in the Baiardo case in Florence, had alleged that his grandfather Filippo Quartararo established a company with Berlusconi for investment purposes in 1969-1970. Graviano was also reported to have referred in his testimony to several meetings that he claimed had taken place with Berlusconi in the past.