Milan. The infectious disease specialist Massimo Galli, former head physician of the Sacco hospital and a key figure during the Covid pandemic, was sentenced to 1 year and 4 months for forgery in the Milan branch of an investigation into alleged rigged competitions at the State University. The sentence is suspended and not mentioned.
Galli, who was acquitted of bid-rigging or abuse of office, commented: “The only thing I can admit is that I forgot to correct a time.”
“If a conviction was necessary to close the case, evidently only falsehood remained,” he added, announcing the appeal.
The facts
The case concerns a call for a position as associate professor in Infectious Diseases and a research assignment. According to the prosecution, Galli and his collaborator Agostino Riva (acquitted) would have favored the candidate who later turned out to be the winner.
Galli's statements
Galli has always professed his innocence, maintaining that the irregularities contested were due to simple oversights. “I am absolutely calm,” he declared. “I have always acted correctly and in the interest of the University.”
The next moves
With the conviction for forgery and acquittal for bid-rigging, Galli has nevertheless decided to appeal. The case is set to continue in the courts.
The conviction is a serious blow to the reputation of Galli, a respected professional and authoritative voice in the field of infectious diseases. It remains to be seen whether the ruling will have repercussions on his career.
The news of the conviction has sparked numerous reactions in the academic world and beyond.
Many have expressed solidarity with Galli, underlining his commitment and competence. Others have raised doubts about the fairness of the trial and the validity of the conviction.
Article published on 16 July 2024 - 19:50
