ROME - A Brazilian transsexual caught up in a scandal which prompted the resignation of a senior Italian politician -- the centre-left governor of Lazio region, which includes Rome -- was found burnt to death in his home on Friday. Police said a body was found after a fire in a basement flat in a neighbourhood frequented by transsexual prostitutes. Police believe forensic tests will confirm it to be the remains of a transsexual known only as Brenda.
Brenda and another Brazilian transsexual prostitute were at the centre of a case involving the blackmail of former Lazio Governor Piero Marrazzo by four police officers who secretly filmed him having sex and taking drugs with one of the transsexuals.
Marrazzo, a former journalist with state broadcaster RAI who was elected governor in 2005, quit his post when the case came to light in October. He took refuge in a monastery outside Rome.
Of the four policemen arrested on blackmail charges, one was released, one is under house arrest and two are in custody.(Reuters)