First Hearing of Ruby Case Lasted Less Than Ten Minutes
Yesterday evening it was held the first hearing of the Ruby case in which Silvio Berlusconi is accused of power abuse and child prostitution. The session was postponed due to absenteeism of the accused, his lawyers and the victim in this case. The next hearing is scheduled for May 31.
The session lasted nine minutes and 50 seconds due to the absence of those involved. Berlusconi sent a letter justifying his absence saying that he would like to attend but he could not because of his “institutional obligations.” This allowed Giulia Turri, judge of the case to declare him a “rebel” defendant.
Lawyers for Italian Prime Minister also attended the meeting and sent a letter explaining the work of Parliament which he had to attend. Karima El Mahroug known as “Ruby heartthrob” alleged victim of the crime of child prostitution did not attend to court neither although her lawyer, Paola Boccardi, did.
On the one hand, Ruby’s attorney announced that her client will not appear in person as a civil party in the process because; she has confirmed that she “Doesn’t neither feels affected nor suffered any damage while going to parties organized by the head of head neither of government nor for dating the Prime Minister.”
“(…) Karima has always said that she was not immerse in prostitution, while the process has taken for granted that she has been given money in exchange.” said Ruby’s attorney.
Source: Elpais.com