Privacy laws - Importance of scrutiny highlighted

FROM afar Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi seems a vain, powerful man used to getting his way.

He also seems unable to curb his predilection for the company of accommodating young women. For the millions who marched on the streets of Italy last weekend he is an embarrassment, an aging, corrupt buffoon whose behaviour makes him unfit for high office.

The 74 year-old’s entanglement with the teenage Moroccan night club dancer Karima El Mahroug — nicknamed Ruby — means he can plan for another day in court. Judge Cristina Di Censo yesterday fixed a trial date for April 6. Prosecutors allege Mr Berlusconi paid for sex with El Mahroug and later used his influence to get police to release her when she was detained on an unrelated theft charge. They allege that Mr Berlusconi feared their relationship would be disclosed.