Berlusconi accused of paying off witnesses in prostitution trial
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.An Italian court accused ex-Premier Silvio Berlusconi on Friday of tampering with evidence by bribing witnesses during a trial related to his infamous “bunga bunga” parties.
The accusation, just two days after the Italian Senate expelled Berlusconi from Parliament over his tax fraud conviction, came in a written judgement from the trial of three associates who are charged with obtaining prostitutes for the 77-year-old billionaire.
Citing testimony and telephone wiretaps, the Milan court said Mr Berlusconi gathered about a dozen young women at his Milan mansion on January 15, 2011 to meet his lawyers after the women’s homes were searched as part of a police investigation into the parties.
From then on, the judges wrote, these women began receiving 2, 500 euros (£2,080) a month from Mr Berlusconi to give false evidence. The women offered unusually identical testimony in court, denying that the parties had sexual overtones.
The court said the evidence against Berlusconi and the others implicated had been sent to prosecutors who are expected to open a new investigation into the case.
Berlusconi denied any wrongdoing at his own trial and is currently appealing against his conviction of paying for sex with a minor.
Additional reporting by AP
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments