San Severo Mayor Accuses Ex-Councilor of Sexual Harassment, Faces Lawsuit

San Severo Mayor Lydia Colangelo accused a former councilor of sexual harassment and personal threats during a dramatic council meeting on May 27. Colangelo, the city's first female mayor, stated that former councilor Gigi Marino made demands unrelated to politics but concerning her "female and sexual sphere."

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A year ago, I trusted the wrong councilors who showed me the wrong paths, questioning my personal dignity and threatening me with demands that have nothing to do with politics but concern my female and sexual sphere.

"A year ago, I trusted the wrong councilors who showed me the wrong paths, questioning my personal dignity and threatening me with demands that have nothing to do with politics but concern my female and sexual sphere," Colangelo said, her voice breaking with emotion. She emphasized her role as a female leader, stating, "I, as the city's first female mayor, listen to women asking them to report any man who imposes his will, so I must set an example." She declared she would not yield to personal blackmail, even at the cost of her position.

The tension peaked when Colangelo detailed an incident where Marino allegedly took the keys from her room's lock, effectively holding her captive. "The last time he spoke with me, he removed the keys from the lock of my room's door, a kidnapping that I could have reported immediately, considering that my room was no longer accessible through other openings," she recounted.

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I, as the city's first female mayor, listen to women asking them to report any man who imposes his will, so I must set an example.

Marino has denied the accusations and announced he is suing the mayor to protect his dignity. He claimed he closed the door to ensure privacy, as the mayor's office is usually a public space. "Those who know me know that I wouldn't hurt a fly," he stated, adding, "I considered the mayor a friend."

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The last time he spoke with me, he removed the keys from the lock of my room's door, a kidnapping that I could have reported immediately, considering that my room was no longer accessible through other openings.

"I was forced to file a lawsuit to protect my professional, political, and especially my dignity as a father. I wouldn't wish anyone to face such accusations just because they became a political opponent," Marino concluded. The accusations have created a deep rift in local politics.

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I was forced to file a lawsuit to protect my professional, political, and especially my dignity as a father. I wouldn't wish anyone to face such accusations just because they became a political opponent.