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Protests
in Italy -- 'after Mubarak, Berlusconi'
Sunday February 13, 2011 10:30:38 AM,
DPA
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Rome: A group of
Italian protesters, who call themselves the Purple People,
organized a weekend of demonstrations in several cities against
Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, demanding his
resignation over allegations of sex with underage prostitutes.
"After Mubarak, Silvio Berlusconi," hundreds of protesters chanted
in Rome Saturday, creating quite a stir as they banged cooking
pots and spoons. "Unworthy Berlusconi, this is not my head of
government," one banner said.
The Purple People have several times in the past organised, over
the internet, a "No-B(erlusconi) Day" in Rome. The rallies were
attended by artists, journalists, trade unionists and other
citizens.
Italians will take to the streets again Sunday, in protests
largely organized by women's groups who say the premier has hurt
their dignity. They also object to the indecent representation of
women in newspapers, advertising and on television.
"Italy is not a brothel," one of their slogans says. Another
reads, "If not now, when?"
Prosecutors Wednesday filed a request for Berlusconi to stand
trial on charges of having had sex with an underage prostitute and
abuse of power.
The charges against the 74-year-old premier stem from evidence,
including wire tappings, which suggest Berlusconi paid several
women for sex, including at least one minor - a Moroccan go-go
dancer who was 17 when she first attended a party at his house.
Prosecutors have asked for a fast-track trial, a procedure which
does not require a preliminary hearing, meaning the conservative
premier could be in the dock before Easter.
The move represents another blow for Berlusconi, who in the wake
of the sex scandal has faced repeated calls for his resignation
from the centre-left opposition and criticism from the influential
Catholic Church.
The media mogul-turned-politician has endured a year of ongoing
scandals relating to his alleged affairs. At the end of 2010,
Berlusconi narrowly survived a vote of no-confidence in
parliament.
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