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Cowa-Bunga Bunga! Ex-Italian PM guilty! Silvio Berlusconi, the former Italian Prime Minister has been sentenced to seven years in jail and banned from serving in public office for the rest of his life.
After a lengthy trial the 76 year old was convicted of having sex with an underage prostitute, a Moroccan woman Karima El Mahroug and abuse of power. Berlusconi is still a free man today as under Italian law he remains out of prison while his appeal is heard. The media tycoon and former owner of football giants AC Milan still denies that he had sex with El Mahroug. “I intend to resist this persecution because I am absolutely innocent. It is not only bad justice, it is an offence to all Italians who have believed in me and trusted in my commitment to the country" he said after the verdict. His lawyer Niccolo Ghedini announced an immediate appeal: "This is beyond reality. The judges even went beyond the prosecutors' request." This referrers to the sentence imposed by the Milan court which was one more year than the six-year term demanded by the prosecution. It's not the first verdict that has gone against
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the veteran politician as he is still appealing a guilty tax evasion verdict which could see him jailed for another four years. This court case ends a two-year trial which made headlines around the world. The infamous 'Bunga Bunga' parties have now become legendary. It's alleged that Berlusconi and his wealthy and influential pals partied with topless women and enjoyed erotic party games. In his defence Berlusconi insisted the parties were regular dinners with female burlesque dancers. Berlusconi was ultimately convicted of paying for sex with El Mahroug who was just 17 at the time of the parties. Known as "Ruby the Heart Stealer" she was a regular guest at the 'Bunga Bunga' parties. He was also found guilty of abusing the powers of his office. Prosecutors proved he arranged to have El Mahroug released from police custody after she was arrested on a theft allegation. Despite the convictions it's unlikely that Berlusconi will see any jail time. The Italian appeals process can take many many years and even then he may escape prison. Italy has a very lenient sentencing ruling for people over the age of 70. Meanwhile French footballers Franck Ribery and Karim Benzema
have gone on trial also accused of paying a minor for sex. One of the two internationals said he had “no idea” she was under age, a court heard this week. Bayern Munich's Ribery, 30, and Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema, 25, could face up to three years’ jail if convicted of having sex with Dehar between 2008 and 2009 when she was aged from 16 to 17. Ribery’s lawyer Carlo-Alberto Bruso said: “There was nothing about her that suggested a vulnerable person. She is a woman always made-up, with her hair done and well dressed.” The age of consent in France is 15, and prostitution is legal, but only if both parties are over 18. Ribery's defence will centre on his assertion that Dehar looked far older than her actual years. Benzema denies any sexual relationship with Dehar who is now a celebrity in France. She regularly appears on reality TV shows and has her own popular lingerie range. Court documents claim Ribery, who is a Muslim and married, paid her 750e for sex at a hotel in 2009 and that Benzema is suspected of paying her 500e for sex in 2008. The trial was adjourned until January to enable the law on underage prostitution in France to be reviewed.
28th June - 4th July 2013