Ian Bunn | Political & Popular Culture Arts

Limited myself to helping a desperate man (September 12th)

Giampaolo Tarantini an Italian businessman along with his wife Angela Devenuto, have been arrested by the Italian police on charges of extorting money from the Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi. Tarantini admitted having paid for prostitutes to attend Berlusconi’s infamous parties in order to curry favour with Berlusconi, intending to profit from unrelated business arrangements. Although Tarantin insists that Berlusconi did not pay nor was aware the women were prostitutes, he had received $722,000 and regular monthly payments from Berlusconi. Berlusconi renowned for his generosity, claims the payments were to help out Tarantini and his family who were in serious financial difficulty. “I didn’t do anything illegal, I limited myself to helping a desperate man without asking for anything in exchange. That’s how I’m made and nothing will change that.”

Inspired by Aljazeera http://ow.ly/6luLK image source Blitzquotidiano http://ow.ly/6luW1

George Timothy Clooney the 49 year old American actor has made the VIP list of witnesses to be called before the 74 year old Italian prime minister Silvio Berlusconi’s ‘Rubygate’ trial. Berlusconi having been accused of a sexual relationship with an under aged prostitute named Ruby, and having abused his office to interfere with a police investigation into the theft allegations against her. Ruby has told prosecutors Clooney was one of Berlusconi’s guests at a private party an alleged scene of the infamous “Bunga, Bunga” sex party, however Clooney states he only meet Berlusconi once to discuss aid for Darfur. The list of 78 witnesses includes Italian television presenters, actors, and journalist identities; along with four government ministers, and the Portuguese footballer Cristiano Ronaldo.

Inspired by Paddy Agnew ow.ly/4udqB image source Wikipedia ow.ly/4udLL

Angelo Bagnasco the 67 year old Italian Cardinal of the Roman Catholic Church and president of the Italian Bishops’ Conference a known conservative has criticized Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi who stands accused of paying for sex with prostitutes including an under-age dancer. Berlusconi denies having done anything wrong, while refusing to attend before prosecutors to answer questions related to his embroilment in the sex scandal. Bagnasco while not naming Berlusconi directly, stated that whoever accepts a public position must understand the sobriety, personal discipline, sense of measure and honour that come with it. Less formally he deplored the cunningness, social climbing, showing off and selling oneself that falsely promotes self success.

Inspired by Nick Squires ow.ly/3JJri image source Wikipedia ow.ly/3JJ91