The first hearing on the dismissal of Sardinia Region President Alessandra Todde lasted just a few minutes at the Cagliari courthouse. The civil section of the Court of Appeal, presided over by Maria Antonella Sechi, took over the files and adjourned the proceedings until November 21st. On that date, all appeals will be consolidated, including those filed by the governor and those filed by the regional councilors challenging the injunction order issued by the electoral guarantee board.
"It was an interlocutory hearing, as expected," explained lawyers Giuseppe Macciotta, Benedetto and Stefano Ballero, and Priamo Siotto, from the team representing the governor. "Therefore, a hearing will be held on November 21st, at which all appeal proceedings will be decided."
During today's hearing—held behind closed doors—Todde's lawyers, however, requested the dismissal of Riccardo Fercia, a former lawyer on the panel of guarantee whose appointment was later dismissed, but who in the meantime has continued to act, even filing a brief.
"Despite this referral, we deemed the decision regarding the legitimacy of the constitution of the guarantee panel by attorney Fercia to be prejudicial," Macciotta explains. "Fercia's mandate was revoked and he was ordered to refrain from taking any action."
The governor's defense will reiterate this preliminary motion at the hearing on the 21st. "In order to achieve a proper resolution of the cross-examination, which must take place only between parties entitled to participate, the panel of guarantors, among other things," Macciotta clarifies, "has shown disinterest in defending itself and in continuing with the appeal defense, refusing to replace the lawyer as it legitimately could have done."
But Fercia disagrees: "My role in this case is that of a perpetual attorney, which essentially means that my mandate was revoked on May 2nd and I also renounced it. However, the revocation or renunciation of my mandate only takes effect when the attorney is replaced in the proceedings ." "I do not intend to expose myself to any civil or disciplinary liability," the university professor adds, "I intend to fully fulfill my protective duties because the obligation undertaken on April 4th, 2025, with the mandate granted by President Gemma Cucca is still binding, as I have not yet been replaced. In this matter, I have only served the Republic, and I am doing so not only as a member of the panel but also as the panel's defender ."
(Unioneonline)