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Saturday, January 15, 2011

Berlusconi To Face Teen Prostitution Probe

Italy's Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is under investigation in a prostitution case involving a 17-year-old girl. Skip related content


Reports say the PM is being investigated over whether he exerted improper pressure on police officers to have the Moroccan girl released when she was held over theft allegations.

An investigation source told Reuters that the probe included underage prostitution allegations.

Corriere della Sera said in its online editions the 74-year-old is suspected of abusing his power in trying to cover up his alleged sexual encounters with the girl, known as Ruby Rubacuori.

Italian prosecutors said in a statement they had issued a summons to Berlusconi and his lawyers in the case.

Mr Berlusconi's lawyers dismissed the prostitution investigation as "absurd and groundless" and a "very serious interference in the private life" of the prime minister.

The case hit the headlines several months ago when it emerged that Berlusconi had intervened to get the girl released from police custody following her arrest for shoplifting.

Berlusconi said at the time that he had done nothing wrong.

The girl also denied having sex with the premier.

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