Requests for immediate indictment are put through by principal prosecutor
Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi could stand trial for illegal sex charges as early as next week after Milan’s chief prosecutor, Edmondo Bruti Liberati, suggested a request be put forward for an immediate formal charge.
A judge will decide in the next couple of weeks whether to accept the request and bring the premier to trial.
Despite supposed overwhelming evidence, Mr Berlusconi, 74, is continuously rebuffing claims that he paid a 17-year-old prostitute for sex.
Although he is used to accusations against his business dealings, this is the first time that his private life has been targeted.
He believes the ‘disgusting’ accusations are simply an attempt to unseat his government. The accusations have ‘offended the dignity of the country,’ he added.
The prime minister is suspected of having sex with the underage Moroccan nightclub dancer, nicknamed Ruby, and then abusing his power and influence to cover it up.
Fearing his relationship would be exposed, he is then alleged to have used his position to release the Moroccan runaway, real name Karima el-Mahroug, after she was arrested for supposedly stealing £2,550.
Berlusconi and el-Mahroug, who is now reportedly engaged and two months pregnant, still deny any sexual relationship. If found guilty under Italian law, he could face a minimum of 15 years behind bars.
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