Roundup: Major trial for "Mafia Capital" scandal kicks off in Rome

A most important mafia trial against an alleged ring of mobsters and corrupted officials kicked off here on Thursday with an opening session crowded with international and domestic media.

Some 46 defendants stood accused of mafia association and other related crimes for allegedly being part of a ring that would have stolen millions of euros by rigging public contracts in the capital city.

The group represented a new type of mafia organization genuinely rooted in Rome, and not subordinate to any of Italy's three traditional mobs, according to chief prosecutor Giuseppe Pignatone who led the probe.

Four prosecutors and over 60 defense lawyers will be part of the major trial, which is expected to go through some 130 sessions up to July 2016.

At its center is a one-eyed former neo-fascist extremist, Massimo Carminati, who was the leading figure of the criminal network according to prosecutors.

Another key suspect is Salvatore Buzzi, Carminati's alleged right-hand man and chief of a cooperative working to reintegrate ex-convicts into society.

Both men were among 37 people arrested in December 2014 in the first phase of the inquiry, while another 44 people were arrested in June.

They were all variously charged with mafia association, bribery, bid rigging, usury, and other related crimes.

The so-called "Mafia Capital" scandal has deeply shaken Rome and tarnished its image for the extent of the systematic corruption uncovered, which allegedly involved criminals, local politicians, public officers, and businessmen.

The ring's illegal activities would have stretched to many public sectors, including refugee centres across the country, waste disposal, recycling services, and maintenance of public green in Rome and the surrounding Lazio region.

Carminati and Buzzi did not appear at the hearing on Thursday, and both will keep following the trial via video-link from the jails where they are being held.

Their lawyers confirmed they both deny the mafia association charge, which would imply a tougher sentence if proved.

"At the right moment, Carminati is ready to talk and defend himself at the trial," lawyer Giosue Naso told reporters outside the Rome's courthouse.

"What really annoyed him was seeing is name associated with the words mafia and drugs. He has nothing to do with mafia, and really hates drugs," he added.

The defendant has never answered to prosecutors since he was arrested.

Buzzi's lawyer told reporters his client would ask to strike a plea bargain during the trial. A previous such request was denied by prosecutors.

"The trial will prove there is no such a thing as a mafia organization in Rome," Alessandro Diddi said.

Prosecutors did not release comments to the media, as expected.

They will use video material and thousands of hours of wiretaps to back up their case, and try to prove the charge of mafia association, according to local reports.

Four other defendants linked to the scandal were found guilty in a fast-tracked trial on Nov. 2, and the judge agreed at least one defendant's crimes were aggravated by "mafia methods."

All next hearings of the trial will be held in the court bunker at Rome's Rebibbia prison. Endit