Military Tribunal in Rome Sentences Soldier Convicted of Spying for Russia to 29 Years in Prison

The military tribunal in Rome has finalized the appeal process in the case of Walter Bioti, a soldier accused of espionage for the Russian Federation, effectively confirming the initial sentence of 30 years in prison. According to ANSA, the sentence has been reduced by several months, with the defendant now sentenced to 29 years and 2 months in prison.

A former employee of the General Staff is also being tried in a civil court on similar charges, having been arrested on the evening of March 30, 2021, in a parking lot in the outskirts of Rome with the attaché of the Russian embassy. Ten days ago, during a preliminary hearing, the court handed down a 20-year prison sentence to him.

During his arrest, Bioti was found in possession of a data carrier and a box of cash. The prosecutor accuses Bioti, who worked in the General Staff of the Ministry of Defense, of espionage, disclosure of state secrets, and corruption. The military prosecutor's office charges him with publishing confidential information with the intention of facilitating espionage, disclosing secret information, and taking photographs for espionage purposes.

Bioti's defense team has expressed dissatisfaction that much of the prosecution's material is considered classified, which prevents an objective assessment of the evidence against their client. As attorney Roberto De Vita told reporters, the defendant 'never knew about the evidence of his guilt.' 'None of the checks requested by the defense have been conducted,' the lawyer stated. He announced plans to appeal the verdict in the Court of Cassation in the future.