Former Italian premier acquitted in witness bribing trial

By Ahmet Gencturk

ATHENS (AA) - Former Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi was acquitted Wednesday of bribing witnesses to lie about the nature of his “bunga bunga parties,” according to media reports.

Prosecutors claimed he paid an underage prostitute, Ruby. for sex at the parties but acquitted because he did not know she was 17 years old at the time, said state-run ANSA news agency.

Ruby, whose real name is Karima El Mahroug, was also acquitted along with 29 defendants, it said.

Berlusconi’s lawyer Federico Cecconi said, “now it's three out of three (trials), and all acquitted with the fullest formula!” according to the agency.

Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani from Berlusconi’s Forza Italy party, said the party celebrates Berlusconi “on this great day for justice.”