Post date: Feb 12, 2011 4:40:42 PM
Protesters from activist group. the Purple People, have gathered in central Rome banging pots and pans and calling for Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's resignation, following charges of paying for sex with a minor and later abusing his power to help her.
ROME, ITALY - Protesters from the activist group, the Purple People, gathered in central Rome on Saturday (February 12) calling for Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi to resign.
Other similar protests were held in several Italian cities including Milan, where a judge is making a final decision on whether the prime minister should go on trial immediately on charges of paying for sex with a minor and later abusing his power to help her.
Prosecutors accuse the prime minister of paying for sex with a night-club dancer when she was under 18, which is against the law in Italy. They also accuse him of abusing the powers of his office by pressuring police to have her released from custody over separate theft allegations.
Their request for an immediate trial, indicating that they believe they have enough evidence to skip a preliminary hearing, adds to the considerable pressure on Berlusconi, who is clinging to power after a split in the ruling PDL party last year.
A judge will announce the decision early next week.
There is no love lost between Berlusconi and magistrates, who the prime minister accuses of mounting a witch hunt against him. Berlusconi has denied any wrongdoing.
Protesters on Saturday held banners reading 'Berlusconi: not worthy' and shouting 'Resignation' against the 74-year-old media mogul.
"We ask for Berlusconi's resignation," said Gianfranco Mascia, spokesman for the Purple People.
"We are trying to give some value to our constitution," said demonstrator Valeria Melillo. "We are here to say enough," she added.
"We are sick of Berlusconi," said protester Giovanna Moroni. "We want him to leave, even though he hasn't. Let's hope we'll make it sooner or later."
Demonstrations in favour and against Berlusconi will be held over the weekend. On Sunday (February 13), women plan to march against him in some 20 Italian cities, while groups of supporters plan a demonstration at Milan's courthouse.