Italy denies paying $12 million ransom for aid workers
Italy's foreign minister on Friday denied media reports that Italy had paid $12 million in ransom to free two young aid workers held for five months in Syria, telling lawmakers "we are against paying ransom."
A report from Middle Eastern media that Italy had paid $12 million to free 21-year-old Greta Ramelli and 20-year-old Vanessa Marzullo sparked debate in Italy about financing terrorism through ransoms. Northern League leader Matteo Salvini said, if true, such a payment would be "grotesque."
