Berlusconi says he isn’t worried about upcoming sex trial
February 17th, 2011 - 12:10 pm ICT by IANSRome, Feb 17 (IANS/AKI) Embattled Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi said he was unperturbed by the approaching trial for his suspected involvement in an underage prostitution case and dismissed political observers who said his government is on the verge of collapse.
“It’s something that doesn’t worry me in the least,” Berlusconi said Wednesday during a press conference, responding to a question about the trial that is slated to begin in a Milan court April 6.
Prosecutors allege Berlusconi paid for sex with teenage Moroccan nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, nicknamed Ruby, on several occasions when she was 17-years old. He also abused his office by pressuring police in Milan to release her on theft charges in order to cover up their relationship, according to prosecutors.
El Mahroug, who is now 18, denies she had sex with Berlusconi, but admits receiving thousands of euros, an Audi car, jewellery and other gifts from the billionaire media tycoon.
Berlusconi denies paying El Mahroung or any other woman for sex, and claims he merely tried to help the vulnerable teenage runaway.
Berlusconi said he has a solid enough majority to complete his five-year mandate which expires in 2013.
“Our majority is strong enough to continue to govern,” he said, adding that his Northern League ally would not pull the plug on the alliance it is keeping alive.
The 74-year-old premier is already facing three trials on embezzlement, corruption and tax fraud–charge and denies wrongdoing in all, claiming he is the victim of a conspiracy of leftist magistrates.
–IANS/AKI
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- Italy bars TV cameras from Berlusconi's 'Ruby' trial - Apr 01, 2011
- 'Berlusconi had sex with underage Moroccan 13 times' - Mar 16, 2011
- Berlusconi trial: Ruby 'can't wait' to tell her story - May 21, 2011
- Italian PM's sex trial adjourned - Apr 06, 2011
- Prosecutors to request Berlusconi trial over 'Rubygate' - Feb 09, 2011
- Berlusconi to write memoir on his private life - Aug 24, 2011
- Woman at centre of Berlusconi sex scandal set to marry - Mar 04, 2011
- Berlusconi faces witness manipulating charges - Apr 20, 2012
- Ruby's haste to wed boyfriend riles Catholic Church - Apr 28, 2011
- Milan prosecutors seek immediate trial for Berlusconi - Feb 09, 2011
- Prosecutors may widen Berlusconi sex probe - Feb 08, 2011
- Berlusconi vows to sue state over sex allegations - Feb 10, 2011
- Berlusconi had 13 'sexual acts' with under age hooker 'Ruby the Heart Stealer' - Mar 16, 2011
- Ruby the heart stealer gives birth to girl - Dec 21, 2011
- My bungas were just clean fun: Berlusconi - Apr 21, 2012
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