The trial of Italian former Prime Minister and Forza Italia president Silvio Berlusconi for allegedly bribing witnesses in the so-called Ruby trial ended with an acquittal for all 29 defendants. “Because the deed was not committed”, everyone is relieved, so the reasoning goes.
The trial was also called “Ruby Ter” (Ruby three) in Italy because it is the third trial in a row of the scandal that went public in 2010. The title goes back to a key figure, the escort girl Karima El Marough, who has become known by the nickname Ruby Rubacuori (Ruby heartthrob). Prosecutors had demanded six years in prison against Berlusconi. A court in Siena, where Berlusconi was also accused of corruption, had already acquitted the conservative politician in October 2021.
“Very satisfied” with acquittal
“It is an acquittal with the widest and most comprehensive formula, I can only be very satisfied,” said Berlusconi’s lawyer Federico Cecconi. Berlusconi’s party Forza Italia welcomed the acquittal of its founder. “This acquittal is great news. I had no doubts about his innocence,” Antonio Tajani, Forza Italia’s foreign affairs number two, wrote on Twitter. “I welcome Berlusconi’s acquittal after years of suffering, insults and useless controversy,” said Deputy Prime Minister and Lega boss Matteo Salvini.
Meloni stays outside
The Italian government of Giorgia Meloni on Monday declined to participate in the trial of Berlusconi as a civil prosecutor. In 2017, Paolo Gentiloni’s government decided to participate in the Berlusconi trial. The four-time Prime Minister had damaged the reputation of the Italian government with his behavior, the then Prime Minister Gentiloni justified his decision. The Meloni cabinet, which is supported by Berlusconi’s right-wing conservative party Forza Italia, reversed the decision.
Berlusconi was accused of using money, jewels and property worth millions to trick several witnesses into remaining silent in court about parties at his villa, which the then-underage Moroccan dancer Ruby had attended. According to the Milan prosecutor’s office, Berlusconi spent ten million euros between 2011 and 2015 to silence the witnesses.
Source: Krone
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