Fast-track degrees scandal

THE RECTOR and vice rector of Milan's state university and the dean of its medical faculty may face trial after a two-year investigation into corruption allegations.

They are among up to 30 of the 135 suspects in the investigation whose committal has been sought by the deputy public prosecutor.

Paolo Mantegazza, the rector, the pro rector and the medical faculty dean are accused of failing to give investigators full results of an internal inquiry into medical degrees obtained in record time. Another 19 professors and assistants were charged with falsifying public documents.

Professor Mantegazza said he thought he had acted correctly. "With 95,000 students it is impossible for me to double-check every single case."

Public prosecutor Francesco Saverio Borrelli said he would be writing to the universities minister asking for extended checks on degrees and a revision of exam regulations.