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Berlusconi Faces Trial on Charges of Paying for Sex with Underage Prostitute

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Prosecutors in Milan called for the immediate trial of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on charges of paying for sex with an underage prostitute, Karima el-Mahroug, a 17-year-old nightclub dancer. Berlusconi has admitted to personally calling a police station to intervene in the case, citing a diplomatic incident involving Ms. Mahroug's supposed Egyptian presidential grandfather. Investigators have accused Berlusconi of abusing his office by using his influence to have the teenager released from custody. A trial could start before Easter if the examining magistrate agrees that there is sufficient evidence.

Key Takeaways:

  • Prosecutors in Milan have called for the immediate trial of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi on charges of paying for sex with an underage prostitute, Karima el-Mahroug.
  • Berlusconi has admitted to personally calling a police station to intervene in the case, citing a diplomatic incident involving Ms. Mahroug's supposed Egyptian presidential grandfather.
  • Investigators have accused Berlusconi of abusing his office by using his influence to have the teenager released from custody.
  • A trial could start before Easter if the examining magistrate agrees that there is sufficient evidence.
  • Berlusconi's personal approval rating has declined from 40 percent to 35 percent between December and January.
  • Support for his People of Freedom party has increased by a few points, with a survey showing it has nearly 30 percent approval.
  • The Italian public is transfixed by the scandal, with many protesting against Berlusconi in light of the recent revelations.
  • Prosecutors have accused Berlusconi of paying hundreds of thousands of euros to a parade of glamorous young women.
  • Berlusconi has been convicted in some of the cases and sentenced to jail, but they were overturned on appeal or were "timed out" under Italy's statute of limitations.

Statistics:

  • 74: The age of Silvio Berlusconi.
  • 3: The number of years Berlusconi could face in jail if convicted.
  • 40: Berlusconi's personal approval rating in December.
  • 35: Berlusconi's personal approval rating in January.
  • 30: The percentage of approval for Berlusconi's People of Freedom party.
  • 25: The percentage of approval for the center-left Democratic Party.
  • 100: The number of trials Berlusconi has faced since he entered politics in 1994.
  • Thousands: The number of court hearings Berlusconi has attended since entering politics in 1994.

Sources:

  • The Wall Street Journal.

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