Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
(Image source: Wikimedia Commons / alessio85)
BY ELIZABETH HAGEDORN
In the latest chapter of the Italian soap opera that is Silvio Berlusconi, an Italian
court has slapped the politician with a two-year ban on holding political office.
That follows the former Italian prime minister's conviction for tax fraud. Under a ruling by
an Italian court, the 77-year-old billionaire is also required to serve either one year
of house arrest or community service — he reportedly chose the latter. (Via CNN)
But his legal troubles don't end there — after losing his final appeal this summer, his seat
in the Italian Parliament is in the hands of the Senate. (Via NBC)
It's expected the Senate, which is dominated by his political opponents, will vote to strip
him of his seat. If that happens, he'll also lose his parliamentary immunity — opening
him up to a string of other criminal charges.
This is all of course, a major setback for Berlusconi whose political future was first
put on the line after claims emerged he had sex with a minor at his now infamous bunga
bunga parties. Despite the ongoing sex scandals, Berlusconi had always rejected calls to resign.
(Via CBS)
He also faces a year in prison. This, after a court in August convicted his media group
of fraudulent accounting — a charge he dismissed as politically motivated. Though it's doubtful
he'll serve any time behind bars because of his age. (Via Euronews)
All this time Berlusconi has claimed he was innocent and insisted he would carry on in
politics. It isn't immediately clear whether he will appeal Saturday's ruling.