Silvio Berlusconi fails in fresh attempt to block 'Ruby' trial
Former PM requested trial, in which he is accused of having sex with an under-age prostitute, be halted during elections
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.Judges have blocked the latest attempt by Silvio Berlusconi’s lawyers to prevent a conviction on sex and corruption charges ahead of next month’s general election.
The former Prime Minister, who hopes to lead the centre-right in the poll, is accused of paying for sex with Karima “Ruby” El Mahroug, left, in 2010 when she was under age.
Today, shortly after Ms El Mahroug had fought her way through the media scrum to enter the court in Milan, Mr Berlusconi’s lawyers asked for the trial to be delayed again, this time to allow Mr Berlusconi to fight the general election and to avoid media interest in proceedings. Prosecutor Ilda Boccassini had noted “a trial cannot be suspended for a general election campaign”.
Then, despite all the travails in getting her to appear, Mr Berlusconi’s lawyers announced that Ms El Mahroug would not be required to testify, adding to the impression the defence was doing everything possible to delay the trial.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments