Italy's ex-PM Berlusconi convicted in sex trial

After years of successfully brushing off sexual scandals, allegations of corruption and political setbacks, on the 24 June Silvio Berlusconi was sentenced by the Court of Milan to seven years in jail and was banned permanently from public office in the "Ruby sex trial".

 

The sentence handed down to the three-time Italian prime minister for having sex with an under-aged prostitute (Karima El Mahroug) and abuse of power is heavy by any standards.

While there may be several appeals left open to him before he serves that punishment, the sentence comes as a remarkable blow to the man who many Italians came to think was untouchable.

And yet, despite it all, Mr Berlusconi has not relinquished his grip on power, having an influential role behind the scenes of the Italian government, as leader of the second party in the coalition.

Moreover, his issues with the justice have not deterred supporters, many of whom see him as the victim of a left-wing conspiracy.
 

Further comments on Berlusconi's trial can be found at the following links:

• The Guardian
• BBC News
• La Repubblica (in italian) -- on why Italy still needs politics.

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Karima El Mahroug (aka Ruby) and Silvio Berlusconi (photo: Reuters)