Ambassador arrested in Philippines suspended
Bosio reportedly detained at water park with three minors
07 April, 15:52
(ANSA) - Rome, April 7 - Italy's ambassador to
Turkmenistan, Daniele Bosio, has been suspended from his duties
following his arrest in the Philippines on suspicion of
involvement in the sexual trafficking of minors, the foreign
ministry said Monday.
A prosecutor must decide whether to follow up the police
action and press formal charges against Bosio, 46, who was
arrested Saturday with three boys, local media said.
Bosio, a career diplomat from the southern Italian city of
Taranto, denies any wrongdoing.Justice Secretary Leila de Lima was quoted by the Manila Times as saying police arrested Bosio at a water amusement park in the town of Binyan, 40 km south of the capital, following a tip-off from a local child-rights group.
"He was caught in the company of three boys, ages eight to 12 years old," de Lima said.
Police alleged Bosio had violated the country's anti-trafficking and child-abuse laws, she added.
He is being held at a prison in Binyan, the Manila Times cited Police Chief Superintendent Jesus Gatchalian as saying.
Bosio has been placed in an individual cell and is in good health, other sources said.
