Woman at centre of Berlusconi sex scandal to give evidence
The young woman at the centre of ex-premier Silvio Berlusconi’s sex-for-hire trial is preparing to give evidence for the first time.
Karima el-Mahroug was ordered by the court to appear after failing to show on two previous dates, reportedly because she was in Mexico on holiday. She has been called as a defence witness.
Berlusconi is accused of paying for sex with Ms el-Mahroug, better known as Ruby the Heart Stealer, when she was 17, and then trying to cover it up. Both deny sexual contact.
Ms El-Mahroug is the last witness due, meaning that a verdict could come before the February 24-25 elections in which Berlusconi is heading a centre-right coalition.
Berlusconi’s defence is expected to request a suspension in the trial for Italy’s electoral campaign.
