Tue Sep 10 17:07:00 UTC 2024: ## Italian Parliament Bans Woman at Center of Culture Minister Scandal for Illicit Filming
**Rome, Italy** – Maria Rosaria Boccia, the woman at the heart of a scandal that led to the resignation of Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, has been banned from the Italian Parliament. The decision came after investigations revealed Boccia used spy glasses with a built-in camera and microphone to film inside the parliamentary chamber.
Boccia claimed she was using the device to give her social media followers a guided tour of the building. However, a parliamentary committee deemed her actions a violation of rules prohibiting photography and video recording within the building, particularly in sensitive areas.
The ban comes just two weeks after the scandal erupted, forcing Sangiuliano to step down from his post. He admitted to having an affair with Boccia and attempting to hire her as an advisor, but ultimately withdrew the offer due to conflict of interest concerns.
The controversy has dominated Italian media coverage, causing embarrassment for Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and marking the first ministerial resignation since her right-wing coalition took power in late 2022.
Prosecutors have opened an investigation into Sangiuliano for possible misuse of public funds and disclosure of confidential information. The Court of Auditors is also examining the case. Sangiuliano has denied all wrongdoing, claiming no public funds were used for Boccia and she never had access to classified documents. He has also vowed to pursue legal action against his former mistress.
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