Trio accused of mafia association hires local lawyer

Three of the seven local men implicated by Italian Police in a global mafia crackdown have now hired a Thunder Bay lawyer to help clear their names.

Defence attorney Christopher Watkins said he's been retained by Vito, Tony and Rocco Minnella. The three brothers are upset after becoming the subjects of an Italian arrest warrant, which accuses them of being associates of the 'Ndrangheta network. 

Rocco Minella spoke with tbnewswatch.com earlier this week and said he was shocked and confused when he heard the allegations. 

Watkins said he believes Italy's mafia association law, which doesn't exist in Canada, can lead to human rights violations. His law firm is now studying the Italian laws to find a way to help the Minnellas. 

The three men assert they've done nothing wrong, by either Canadian or Italian standards.