After 14 years, the infamous "Bunga Bunga" scandal associated with Italy's former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi still lingers, as Italy’s Supreme Court has overturned the acquittals of 21 women accused of aiding in a cover-up. The court's decision, announced on Monday, indicates that the women will face retrial, causing renewed media attention and societal scrutiny. This legal battle adds another layer to the scandal that first surfaced in 2010, involving scandalous parties at Berlusconi’s villa.
Previously, Berlusconi faced allegations of paying for sex with an underage girl and abusing his authority to conceal it, leading to an international uproar. Although initially convicted, Berlusconi was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence regarding the girl's age. Subsequent trials saw some associates punished for facilitating prostitution, while the 21 women were initially cleared on procedural grounds. The recent Supreme Court ruling invites further litigation, with an appeals court in Milan expected to revisit the case, although no date is scheduled.
The announcement comes amidst a backdrop where a few of the accused have admitted to receiving monetary or luxurious incentives from Berlusconi, denying these were meant to secure their silence. While the Supreme Court has yet to clarify the reasoning behind its decision, such developments underline the enduring legacy and controversial influence of Berlusconi in Italian politics and society. Emma Bubola, reporting from Rome, gathered that direct comments from the women were not immediately obtainable after the ruling.
Previously, Berlusconi faced allegations of paying for sex with an underage girl and abusing his authority to conceal it, leading to an international uproar. Although initially convicted, Berlusconi was later acquitted due to insufficient evidence regarding the girl's age. Subsequent trials saw some associates punished for facilitating prostitution, while the 21 women were initially cleared on procedural grounds. The recent Supreme Court ruling invites further litigation, with an appeals court in Milan expected to revisit the case, although no date is scheduled.
The announcement comes amidst a backdrop where a few of the accused have admitted to receiving monetary or luxurious incentives from Berlusconi, denying these were meant to secure their silence. While the Supreme Court has yet to clarify the reasoning behind its decision, such developments underline the enduring legacy and controversial influence of Berlusconi in Italian politics and society. Emma Bubola, reporting from Rome, gathered that direct comments from the women were not immediately obtainable after the ruling.
