Berlusconi’s Ruby to get married in three weeks

A YOUNG Moroccan woman dubbed ‘the heart stealer’ who sparked an investigation into Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi for allegedly paying for sex with a minor, has announced she is about to get married.

Ruby, 18, real name Karima El Mahroug, told the Repubblica daily that she is to get hitched to Luca Rizzo, 41, a manager of a disco, in a town hall wedding in three weeks’ time.

Once married, the daughter of immigrants living in Sicily hopes to finish her high-school studies in psychopedagogy in Genoa and have a church wedding in June.

Milan judges have almost finished interviewing witnesses to back up allegations that the prime minister paid to have sex with the underage Ruby and a second minor, as well as hand-picking prostitutes for wild parties.

But in the interview, Ruby said she was by no means worried about the inquiry because she is only a witness, adding: “I can’t wait for the trial to begin.”

When asked whether she thought Berlusconi would be put on trial or found guilty, Ruby replied: “I don’t know, that’s his problem.”

The prime minister’s main problem, according to Ruby, is loneliness, which he attempts to stave off by buying affection. She said she could relate to the situation, because she often sends money to her father for the same reason.

“He is alone and fights loneliness, a bit like I do. I pay to get my father’s affection, he pays for young women,” she said.

Berlusconi, a notorious womaniser, has denied paying for sex, and both he and Ruby say they have never had sexual relations.

The media magnate is also under investigation for abuse of power after he told police in Milan to free Ruby after she had been picked up for an alleged theft in May.

Despite appearing to enjoy her newfound notoriety, giving lengthy paid television interviews and appearing as the star guest in discos across the country, the young woman said: “If I could go back, I wouldn’t do it again.”

Italian prosecutors are likely next week to request a fast-track trial for Berlusconi.

The sources said the request would be submitted to a judge Monday or Tuesday. The judge will then have five days to decide, although the deadline could be extended by a few days.

Milan prosecutors allege Berlusconi paid for sex with a “significant” number of young women after parties at his private residence. Paying for sex with a prostitute under the age of 18 is an offence in Italy.