Italy's deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini said Sunday the Italian government would not be pressured into changing....
Italy's deputy Prime Minister Gianfranco Fini said Sunday the Italian government would not be pressured into changing their strict doping laws for next year's Winter Olympics in Torino.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) are concerned some athletes could end up with jail sentences at the February 10-26 Games and have asked the Italians to relax their legislation.
"Penal sanctions must remain and the IOC should not be asking for a moratorium," Fini said.
"It would be wrong to close one eye and not apply Italian laws in doping cases just for the Games."
Earlier this month the IOC were given a similar response from Mario Pescante, Italy's under-secretary for sport and supervisor for the Games, after raising their concerns.
Under IOC rules athletes face disqualification for drug-taking in sport but in Italy an athlete found guilty of doping risks a prison sentence of anything up to three years.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) are concerned some athletes could end up with jail sentences at the February 10-26 Games and have asked the Italians to relax their legislation.
"Penal sanctions must remain and the IOC should not be asking for a moratorium," Fini said.
"It would be wrong to close one eye and not apply Italian laws in doping cases just for the Games."
Earlier this month the IOC were given a similar response from Mario Pescante, Italy's under-secretary for sport and supervisor for the Games, after raising their concerns.
Under IOC rules athletes face disqualification for drug-taking in sport but in Italy an athlete found guilty of doping risks a prison sentence of anything up to three years.
