The High Court of Justice Civil Proceedings Conclude in London

Today, July 18, marked the conclusion of the civil trial at the High Court of Justice in London, with closing statements presented by lawyers representing both parties. The case stemmed from financier Raffaele Mincione’s 2020 lawsuit concerning the purchase of the Sloane Avenue building.

Written by Salvatore Cernuzio

Recapping the courtroom debates, one side emphasized “No good faith,” while the other side asserted “No fraud.” The trial, which began on June 24, was initiated by Mincione seeking favorable declarations regarding his role in the 2018 transaction with the Secretariat of State for the London property.

Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra was a central figure in the trial, providing testimonies detailing events related to the criminal proceedings before the Vatican Tribunal, which resulted in the conviction of ten defendants, including Mincione, in December 2023.

Closing Statements

Both parties presented their closing arguments at the London court today, based on documentary evidence and property evaluations in the Chelsea district. A verdict is expected in the fall.

Mincione’s Defense: No Fraud

Mincione’s legal team, led by lawyer Charles Samek, denied the accusation of fraud against the Secretariat of State. They refuted claims of deception and emphasized Mincione’s intentions to assert his rights in this trial.

Property Price Dispute

The core of the debate revolved around the alleged overvaluation of the Sloane Avenue property. Mincione’s lawyers argued that the inflated price claims were unfounded, challenging the Secretariat of State’s narrative.

Media Frenzy and Legal Motivations

The lawyers representing both parties also discussed the media coverage of the case and the perceived motivations behind Mincione’s legal actions. They debated the impact of the Vatican Tribunal’s ruling and the subsequent legal proceedings in London.

Continuation and Conclusions

As the civil trial concluded, the focus turned towards the implications of the verdict and the potential outcomes for both parties involved. The legal battle over the Sloane Avenue property purchase is far from over, with appeals and further deliberations looming on the horizon.