Italian judge and politician (1936–2008)
Claudio Vitalone (7 July 1936 – 28 December 2008) was an Italian judge and politician. In addition to serving as senator and cabinet minister, he is also known for being a close ally of the former Italian Prime Minister Giulio Andreotti.[1][2]
Early life and education
Vitalone was born in Reggio Calabria on 7 July 1936.[3] He held a law degree.[4]
Career
Vitalone became a judge in 1961.[3] He served in the Rome prosecutor's office and in the Italian senate.[1][5] He was a member of the Christian Democrats (DC).[6] He was first elected to the senate in 1979 for the DC and served there three more terms.[3] On 6 August 1992, he resigned from the senate.[4]
In two cabinets headed by Giulio Andreotti Vitalone was the deputy minister of foreign affairs from 1989 to 1992.[7] He briefly served as foreign trade minister in the cabinet led by Prime Minister Giuliano Amato from June to 29 July 1992 when he resigned from office.[8] After leaving public office he returned to his judiciary post.[3]
Controversy
Vitalone along with Andreotti was charged with ordering Mino Pecorelli's killing in Rome in 1979.[9][10] In 1999, a Perugia court acquitted Vitalone and Andreotti from the charges brought against them.
Death
Vitalone died on 28 December 2008 in Rome.[3][4]
References
External links