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Berlusconi's 'dirty money': “just trying to help.”
The two oldest children of Italy's prime minister, Silvio Berlusconi, who are being investigated for suspected money-laundering, were “just trying to help,” with Italy’s national debt, their father claimed yesterday.
Only this week the credit rating agency Standard & Poor's downgraded Italy's debt rating, in reaction to Mr Berlusconi's decision to take personal control of his country's finances
But prime minister Berlusconi indicated yesterday that he would put up a spirited defense of his children.
“Italy is nearly bankrupt, that’s the truth.” Berlusconi told BIGfib. “And the money to bail us out has to come from somewhere, the kids were just trying to lend a hand,” he said.
“Though laundering money may shock people from other cultures, to Italians who have grown up with the mafia nothing could be more normal.”
Mr Berlusconi himself is already under investigation in the inquiry, for suspected embezzlement, false bookkeeping and tax fraud.
Asked whether he thought there was any chance of he or his children being found guilty, Berlusconi said “Not at all.”
“They will have a fair trial and then they will be found Innocent, and if by any chance they aren’t then I will appeal under international law.”
Legal experts confirmed yesterday that international case law, typified by Chirac vs France and Sharon vs Israel, would seem to uphold a general rule that prime ministers and presidents are immune from prosecution whatever they do.
See also: Berlusconi hides Balkenende's Embarrassment
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