Italy's Supreme Court has announced that 21 women who were previously cleared of covering up former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi's 'Bunga Bunga' parties will face a new trial. The high court's decision revives a decade-old scandal that once captured worldwide attention and loomed large over the nation's judicial system. Berlusconi, who passed away last year, was at the center of a series of legal proceedings related to the parties, initially found guilty, then cleared of related charges. The women are alleged to have accepted hush money to protect Berlusconi during his trials. The upcoming retrial will continue in Milan, although the timeline remains unclear.
Italy's Supreme Court Orders New Trial in 'Bunga Bunga' Scandal
Italy's Supreme Court Orders New Trial in 'Bunga Bunga' Scandal
Italy's highest court has overturned acquittals for 21 women accused of covering up Silvio Berlusconi’s notorious 'Bunga Bunga' parties, demanding another trial.
In a significant legal development, Italy's Supreme Court has overturned the acquittals of 21 women embroiled in the 'Bunga Bunga' scandal surrounding the late former Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi. Approaching nearly a decade and a half since the scandal first broke, the high court's ruling means these women will face another round of court proceedings. It is alleged that the women took money to maintain silence and shield Berlusconi during earlier trials linked to sordid parties hosted at his villa. Although an appeals court in Milan is supposed to handle the new case, specific details about when this will occur have yet to be disclosed.
The revival of this case highlights Berlusconi's enduring influence on Italian politics and law, even after his passing. In past cases related to the scandal, Berlusconi was initially convicted of underage solicitation and misuse of office, though he was later exonerated. His associates were convicted for their roles in organizing the parties, yet the scandal seemed settled until now. The Supreme Court’s ruling to retry the women suggests ongoing scrutiny and an unresolved chapter in one of Italy’s most infamous legal sagas. As they await their day in court, some of the accused women have previously acknowledged receiving money or extravagant gifts from Berlusconi, yet deny that any transactions were intended to buy their silence. The whole affair continues to cast a long shadow over Italy and capture public attention worldwide.
The revival of this case highlights Berlusconi's enduring influence on Italian politics and law, even after his passing. In past cases related to the scandal, Berlusconi was initially convicted of underage solicitation and misuse of office, though he was later exonerated. His associates were convicted for their roles in organizing the parties, yet the scandal seemed settled until now. The Supreme Court’s ruling to retry the women suggests ongoing scrutiny and an unresolved chapter in one of Italy’s most infamous legal sagas. As they await their day in court, some of the accused women have previously acknowledged receiving money or extravagant gifts from Berlusconi, yet deny that any transactions were intended to buy their silence. The whole affair continues to cast a long shadow over Italy and capture public attention worldwide.
