Italian Judge Suspended After Banning Crosses From His Courtroom

ANSA reported yesterday that in Rome, the Italian judiciary's self-governing body, the Supreme Council of Magistrates, removed judge Luigi Tosti from his post and cut off his pay because of his "unjustifiable behavior" in refusing to hold court until the cross posted in his Camerino court room is removed. Last year Tosti was convicted of refusing to perform his duties and sentenced to a 7-month suspended sentence. (See previous posting.) Tosti insists that defendants have the constitutional right not to be tried under a religious symbol, and questions the continuing validity of the Fascist-era Rocco Code which is the source of the requirement for the cross to be placed in his courtroom. Italy's Justice Ministry says that the Rocco Code has never been abolished and so remains in force .