Italian Fencing Federation Responds to Allegations of Abuse at Training Camp

The Italian Fencing Federation has issued a statement in which it becomes a civil party regarding the complaint of an Uzbek fencing champion who was abused by three athletes in Chianciano Terme. "In reference to the news reported today by the newspaper 'Il Messaggero' and picked up by other media outlets, the Italian Fencing Federation deems it necessary and obligatory to specify the following: the Federation has promptly, and on several occasions, had direct confrontations with the investigating Magistracy, in order to understand the situation and the developments of the investigative activity, respecting the procedural secrecy that characterizes the ongoing procedural phase." This is read in the statement of the Federation which continues: "Based on such information and reassurances acquired, the Federation - contrary to what was reported - has detailedly responded to the lawyer of the complainant, also depositing the appointment of the Federation for a civil party constitution in the eventual trial, should it be arranged by the ordinary justice." Group rape is said to have occurred between the 4th and 5th of last August during a pre-summer retreat and the case is being investigated by the Siena Prosecutor's Office. The Federation added: "The reconstruction provided, in the parts that call into question the actions of the Fis, does not respond in any way to the attention placed on the case by the Federation, which instead immediately activated contacts with the ordinary and sports Magistracy, placing maximum trust in the authorities' actions. The Italian Fencing Federation, which has made the healthy and authentic values of sport the flag of its activity no less than the Olympic and Paralympic medals, and which through this daily work has established itself as a recognized example of social commitment, will evaluate all necessary actions to protect its own image and to defend what it affirms every day in the halls throughout Italy." Azzi: "We have done everything we could," Also, the president of the Italian Fencing Federation spoke about the issue stating that everything that was in their power was done: "We have done everything we could, we cannot substitute for the judicial authorities. We do not have the powers to investigate serious crime hypotheses like these, red code ones. In due time we activated the prosecutor and the federal justice, taking all necessary steps - he added - We have also prepared for a possible civil party constitution if there should be a trial as an injured party. On what basis can we suspend the investigated athletes today? At least a precautionary measure, an indictment, or the closing of the investigations is needed."