Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has officially been placed under investigation for allegedly paying for sex with a 17-year-old girl, providing even more fodder for criticism of the scandal-addicted Italian executive.

While some may think paying for sex with underage women is bad enough, Berlusconi defended himself with the off-putting “As always, I work without interruption and if occasionally I happen to look a beautiful girl in the face, it’s better to like beautiful girls than to be gay.” –JCL

The Guardian:

Silvio Berlusconi has been formally placed under investigation on suspicion of paying for sex with a 17-year old girl, according to a statement issued today by prosecutors in Milan.

He was further accused of abusing his position as Italy’s prime minister by bringing pressure to bear on the police to cover up his alleged relationship with the girl, who was working as a prostitute.

The two alleged offences carry sentences totalling 15 years in jail.

The statement said Berlusconi, who has not been charged, had been invited to present himself for questioning. The prosecutors said he had been formally made a suspect on 21 December, but the news only broke today on the website of the Italian daily Corriere della Sera.

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#homophobia#italy#minor#prime minister#scandal#sex#silvio berlusconi#women