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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2009
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Berlusconi: Trials 'Laughable, Absurd'

Italian PM goes on the attack after losing immunity from prosecution

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(Newser) – A defiant Silvio Berlusconi vowed yesterday to rule with "even more grit" despite looming criminal trials on corruption charges. The trials "are false, laughable, absurd,” scoffed the Italian prime minister, who has been stripped of his immunity from prosecution. “I will defend myself in the courtroom and make my accusers look ridiculous.” Berlusconi accused Italy's president, Giorgio Napolitano, of being part of a left-wing plot to unseat him.

Berlusconi told a late-night TV show that the president should have used his influence to persuade the constitutional court not to lift his immunity, and told a female member of parliament who disagreed that she was "more beautiful than intelligent." Berlusconi, who stands 5-foot-5 "is taller than he is well-mannered," her colleague retorted.

Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi waves as he leaves the Palazzo Grazioli residence in Rome earlier this week.
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi waves as he leaves the Palazzo Grazioli residence in Rome earlier this week.   (AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi gestures as he speaks to reporters on his way out of the Palazzo Grazioli residence in Rome.
Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi gestures as he speaks to reporters on his way out of the Palazzo Grazioli residence in Rome.   (AP Photo/Sandro Pace)
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I will show everyone what stuff my accusers are made of and what stuff I am made of. - Silvio Berlusconi

The government will forge ahead calmly, tranquilly and with even more grit than before because this will be absolutely indispensable for freedom and democracy in this country. - Silvio Berlusconi

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3 comments
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divetrader
Oct 9, 09 7:16 AM CDT
Yes...be arrogant in the courtroom. That will definitely sway the court. Reply
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Jayster999
Oct 9, 09 8:24 AM CDT
The article didn't really get down to the nitty-gritty of just what he is accused of--other than being a ridiculous cad. Reply
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IN RESPONSE:
George_Taylor
Oct 10, 09 8:52 AM CDT
He is a very popular thread and there are so many other stories in the related bar that will tell you why some want him out. Which only backs that they hate him for being a ridiculous cad.
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