Istalia

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Tragedy of Gelamia: while the first arrests come the Emperor and Empress confort the population

Amid pain and accusations against the city's authorities suspicions of illicit activities are days after days stronger 

Mario Donizetti escorted after his arrests at the Gelamia Tribunal by the police to meet the magistrates

September 5629

Gelamia – The Emperor and Empress have never left the city of Gelamia since they arrival in the days immediately following the tragedy of the Bridge of Liberation to show their support to the affected population.
Since their arrival, the Sovereigns have visited the site of the disaster, paying homage to the victims and have met with the survivors hospitalized in local hospitals. They have also expressed their condolences and closeness to the families of the victims, whose number has sadly risen to 58 confirmed deaths with 3 people still missing.

At the same time the Emperor has held several meetings with the city authorities, who have been the subject of heavy criticism from the citizens for days now. The population is clamoring for clarity on the causes of the disaster and the identification of those responsible, while the press, both local and now also national, is increasingly fueling growing suspicions of serious irregularities and illicit activities within the municipal administration. The Judiciary itself, on the basis of investigations underway since before the disaster, considers these suspicions to be well-founded.

Just yesterday, in fact, the police arrested Mario Donizetti, municipal councilor for public works in Gelamia. The charges brought against him are extremely serious: corruption, bid-rigging, abuse of office and embezzlement. The arrest represents the first concrete action in the context of an investigation that, according to investigators, could further expand and involve other members of the city administration.

Before leaving Gelamia for Hutori, where he will attend the state funeral of the late King Richard II, the Emperor released a brief but significant statement to the press. In a stern tone, he expressed great concern for the ever-increasing evidence of wrongdoing that is emerging, reiterating the need for justice and transparency to restore confidence in the population.

The Bridge of Liberation affair continues to deeply shake public opinion and could have far-reaching political and judicial consequences in the coming days.
The Imperial Household has also officially announced that the proclamation ceremony of Alessandro V, expected for the last half of November, out of respect for the victims and the grief for the Gelamia tragedy, will be held in a very restricted form with the event limited to the solemn oath at the National Congress and a quick appearance on the balcony of Quattroregni Palace.