Vatican Radio loses pollution appeal

A court in Italy has upheld an order for Vatican Radio to pay damages to a small town near Rome for electromagnetic pollution caused by its transmitters.

The case began in 2001 when it was claimed that 'electrosmog' produced by transmitters near Cesano exceeded levels allowed by Italian law, ANSA reports.

The Codacons consumer association, which backed Cesano inhabitants' claims, hailed the decision. "It's a great victory. Finally justice is done and the people of Cesano will be able to have the compensation they are rightfully due," said Codacons President Carlo Rienzi.

However, Vatican Radio has criticized the ruling. "This sentence comes at the end of a long, stormy trial process which has seen the pontifical broadcaster subject to unjust accusations," a Vatican Radio statement said.

"Since an agreement with the Italian government in 2001, the limits set by Italian law have been attentively respected, as shown by repeated measurements carried out by the competent Italian public institutions. There is no justified reason for concern for any part of the population".

A Vatican source has told ICN that the transmitters apparantly causing the problem are set on some very valuable real estate. He suggested there could be another motive for someone wanting them to be shut down.

Sources: Vatican Radio/ANSA/UCAN