Transsexual in Italian political scandal found dead

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 today.

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.

Marrazzo has acknowledged that he paid prostitutes and took cocaine. However, he faces no criminal charges and neither did the two transsexuals, since prostitution is not a crime in Italy.

Brenda had called the police 12 days ago after reporting being attacked in the street and having a mobile phone stolen.