Berlusconi: Sex trial aims to discredit my government

Premier Silvio Berlusconi, the Premier in Italy's government officially denies having a sexual relationship with an underage Moroccan prostitute named Ruby who was arrested for stealing over $4,000 dollars (3000 Euros). The prosecutors allege that Berlusconi paid for sex with Ruby who was released into the custody of a Berlusconi aide after she was arrested on some theft charges. His aide is also under investigation and Berlusconi insists that "the sex trial aims to discredit my government." The premier's supporters say he made the call to avoid a diplomatic incident. The girl, Ruby was thought to be the niece of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak. Berlusconi's defense maintains the case should be handled by a special tribunal set up to deal with alleged offenses committed by public officials and not by Milan prosecutors. "I have intervened as prime minister because I was worried that there could be an international diplomatic incident," Berlusconi said Wednesday. Child prostitution charges carry a sentence which may last up to three years. Another charge, "the abuse of influence charge" is more dangerous for Berlusconi. This crime carries a sentence of four to twelve years. Ruby and Berlusconi both have denied that they were having a sexual relationship. But Milan prosecutors are trying to convict Berlusconi anyway.