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Berlusconi Uses Animal Farm Defense

Lawyers argue 'more equal' PM shouldn't be prosecuted

By Rob Quinn,  Newser Staff

Posted Oct 7, 2009 3:12 AM CDT
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(Newser) – All Italians are equal but some are more equal than others, according to lawyers seeking to prevent Silvio Berlusconi from standing trial on corruption charges. A constitutional court examining the legitimacy of a law shielding prime ministers from prosecution—which was introduced by Berlusconi himself—was told the leader is no longer "first among equals," but "first above equals." Outraged opposition pointed out that the logic resembles a rationalization presented in a sinister future depicted in George Orwell's Animal Farm.

Murderous pigs in the popular political satire operate with impunity because “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others," according to their farm motto. The Italian panel is expected to rule within a week on whether the immunity law stands, reports the Times of London. If judges veto it, Berlusconi will face prosecution on numerous bribery and corruption charges. The potential damage to his government would likely dwarf that of his recent string of sex-capades.

Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers Niccolo Ghedini and Piero Longo, wait for the start of a constitutional court hearing, in Rome yesterday.
Silvio Berlusconi's lawyers Niccolo Ghedini and Piero Longo, wait for the start of a constitutional court hearing, in Rome yesterday.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
Silvio Berlusconi gestures at the opening of a textile industry fair in Milan, Italy last month.
Silvio Berlusconi gestures at the opening of a textile industry fair in Milan, Italy last month.   (AP Photo/Alberto Pellaschiar/Files)
Italy's Constitutional Court is expected to rule this week on whether to uphold a law shielding prime ministers from prosecution.
Italy's Constitutional Court is expected to rule this week on whether to uphold a law shielding prime ministers from prosecution.   (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 5 comments
donnz
Oct 7, 2009 10:36 AM CDT
Didn't, Mussolini, think the same thing?
Rembrandt_Q_Einstein
Oct 7, 2009 8:48 AM CDT
Funny, I always thought of Berlusconi as a pig.
jagerhans
Oct 7, 2009 3:21 AM CDT
more than this, the madman Umberto Bossi, leader of the racist party allied with berlusconi, said today that if the court won't rule that berlusconi is immune from law he will 'drag the people in the streets' and the judges 'will face the wrath of the people' while the president openly backs every wish of mr. B. if the italian supreme court won't delete this incredible statute of injustice, the days of democracy, if any, will be over here in italy. these are the things that really make you sick of being italian. sincerely, i'd like to renounce to my citizenship.

 
Italy • bribery • corruption • Silvio Berlusconi • corruption trial

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