In a recent episode of Raitre's program ReStart hosted by Annalisa Bruchi, Antonio Di Pietro, a notable figure from the Mani Pulite anti-corruption task force, addressed comments made by Alfonso Sabella, a judge from Rome. Sabella, who is aligned with the 'No' campaign regarding judicial reforms, suggested that the proposed High Disciplinary Court would have curtailed the efforts of the Mani Pulite team. Di Pietro challenged this assertion by emphasizing that while it is true they were stopped, it is essential to recognize who was responsible for that obstruction.

Di Pietro implied that Gherardo Colombo, another former colleague and esteemed figure, failed to fully acknowledge the underlying issues. According to Di Pietro, the disruption experienced by the Mani Pulite investigation stems from deeper systemic issues tied to another investigation referred to as the 'Mafia-Appalti' inquiry. He suggested that this acknowledgment is critical to understanding the trajectory of judicial independence in Italy and the real forces at play that impeded their work.

The exchange highlights a persistent debate within the Italian judiciary about self-restraint among judges and the political and institutional pressures they face. Di Pietro's remarks suggest an ongoing struggle for transparency and accountability within the judiciary, especially as new reforms are being proposed. The implications of this dialogue reach beyond the individuals involved, impacting public trust in the judicial system and the political will to address corruption effectively.