Valter Lavitola told a Rome court that his friendship with journalist Sigfrido Ranucci was part of a personal effort to rebuild his reputation, according to Corriere Roma. The statement came during a hearing before the review court, which is examining his request for house arrest.
Lavitola acknowledged giving Gomes Tavares a blank mandate, saying he assumes full responsibility for that decision, as reported by Il Fatto Quotidiano. The case stems from an alleged plot against Ranucci, though Lavitola dismissed the idea that the journalist would ever run for political office, according to Il Sole 24 ORE.
The former lobbyist has asked to serve house arrest in his hometown in Basilicata, a southern region of Italy, RaiNews reports. His legal strategy appears focused on minimizing the severity of the allegations while presenting his relationship with Ranucci as genuine rather than threatening.
Lavitola's account, detailed across multiple Italian outlets, frames the friendship as a means of personal redemption. He reportedly told the court that associating with a well-known public figure like Ranucci helped him seek a fresh start after previous controversies.
The review court must now weigh Lavitola's version of events against the prosecution's case. His request for house arrest in Basilicata, rather than continued detention, will test whether judges accept his explanation of the friendship and the blank mandate.
The court's decision on his custody status is expected to signal how much weight it gives to his defense narrative.
