Berlusconi ally handed jail term (moved from ATSNN), page 1

A friend, ally advisor to the Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been charged with connections to the crime organisation the Mafia. The sentence given is nine years in prison. Dell'Utri is has acted as a link for organised crime between the two countries of Italy and Sicily.

news.bbc.co.uk
A friend and adviser of Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been found guilty of association with the Mafia after a seven-year trial.

Marcello Dell'Utri, a senator and founder-member of Mr Berlusconi's Forza Italia party, was sentenced to nine years in prison by a court in Sicily.

The senator's co-accused, Gaetano Cina, was sentenced to seven years' jail.

Mr Berlusconi had been called as a witness, but declined to give evidence as he was entitled to under Italian criminal procedure.

Evidence of Dell'Utri's complicity in money-laundering and contact with notorious Mafia bosses was given to the court by over 40 former Mafia members.

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It is only 24 hours or so since the Italian Prime Minister was cleared of corruption charges which saw a four year court case. The connections made between the President's friend and the Mafia only raises more questions about the legitimacy of the President's business and political actions.

It is interesting that the President does not wish to comment or act as a witness. This prosecution of Dell'Utri is likely to have significant come backs for the leader of Italy both internally and also world wide with dealings with other nations.

This kind of news makes me more and more cynical about the leaders of our World. Is there a government anywhere that is not corrupt?

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