Post date: Jan 14, 2011 2:18:6 PM
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a prostitution investigation in Milan over a teenaged nightclub dancer who is said to have attended parties at his private residence.
ROME, ITALY (FILE - SEPTEMBER 13, 2010) REUTERS - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi faces a prostitution investigation in Milan over a teenaged nightclub dancer who attended parties at his private residence, an investigation source told Reuters on Friday (January 14).
The source said investigators were examining whether Berlusconi intervened improperly to have the girl, who was 17 years old at the time, released from a police station last May after she was held over theft allegations.The investigation also involves underage prostitution allegations, the source said.
Berlusconi has denied any wrongdoing in the case. No comment was immediately available from his office.
The case of Karima El Mahroug, a Moroccan runaway known by the stage name of "Ruby", became public last October when it emerged that Berlusconi had called Milan police to get her out of trouble when she was detained for alleged theft.
Berlusconi has acknowledged knowing Ruby, who has told newspapers she was paid 7,000 euros after she attended a party at Berlusconi's residence near Milan.
The prime minister, who has weathered a string of scandals over his private life, has also acknowledged making a phone call to police on her behalf, but says he was merely offering normal assistance to a person in need. He has denied using any improper influence or pressuring officers to let her go.
The investigative source said police were searching the office of a regional official close to Berlusconi who went to pick up the girl at the police station when she was released.
Berlusconi says he is being unfairly targeted by politically motivated magistrates.