Berlusconi was ‘director of sex parties’

Former Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi was the ringmaster of “bunga bunga” sex parties at his luxurious villa near Milan, giving the go-ahead for young women to perform pole dances and stripteases, according to a court document.

Berlusconi, who faces potential expulsion from his Senate seat next week after receiving a final conviction for tax fraud in a separate case, was handed a seven-year jail sentence in June for abuse of office and paying for sex with a minor during the parties.

In a document released yesterday explaining the reasons behind the conviction, the court said there was sufficient proof that the 77-year-old had sexual relations with former nightclub dancer Karima El Mahroug, who was 17 at the time, in exchange for money and jewellery.

It said Berlusconi directed women to perform and dance erotically during the parties.

“It is proven that the director of the young women’s sexual performances was Berlusconi himself,” the court said.

Berlusconi has described the evenings as “elegant dinners” and is appealing the verdict. He will not have to serve any jail time for the conviction unless it is upheld after two appeals.

— Reuters