Italy puts 56 on trial in milk scam – answers
Italy puts 56 on trial in milk scam – answers
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- More than 100 lawyers were in court in Parma for the start of what’s likely to be one of the longest and most complex trials in Italy’s history.
- The company’s founder Callisto Tanzi seen here at an earlier hearing is facing charges which carry lengthy jail sentences.
- In court today Tanzi’s lawyer dismissed accusations that they were calling a large number of witnesses in order to jam the trial and buy time.
- "In a civilised country you do not have summary justice in a civilised country trials must be made according to the rules".
- Paramalat was best known for its long life milk.
- It collapsed in 2003 with a 14 billion euro hole in its accounts.
- 1000s of small investors lost their savings. Many staged protests outside earlier hearings.
- The trial is taking place in a convention centre to accommodate the many interested parties.
- 34,000 witnesses have been asked to take part and the trial could last 3 years.
- Only 3 of the 56 defendants turned up for the first day that was dominated by procedural matters.