Berlusconi slammed over ‘use of policewomen’s outfits in striptease shows’

LONDON - Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi has been criticised by a police trade union for allegedly using policewomen’s outfits for striptease shows at his home.

According to prosecution documents delivered to parliament, the so-called “bunga bunga” sessions at Berlusconi’s villa near Milan involved female guests putting on and then gradually taking off skimpy nurses’ outfits and police uniforms.

However, the defiant prime minister denies any wrongdoing.

“I’m enjoying myself,” the Guardian quoted Berlusconi as saying, insisting that he had no intention of resigning because of the latest disclosures.

Secretary general of the independent police trades union confederation, Giorgio Innocenzi, said if the accounts were borne out, “it would be a very serious development that impugns the high levels of professionalism guaranteed by women in the police”.

He said the entire police force would feel deeply uncomfortable about wearing “a uniform that would have been held up to ridicule before public opinion, both national and international”.

Innocenzi’s remarks came as a special committee of the lower house of parliament began considering whether to allow a crucial part of the investigation to go ahead.

Prosecutors in Milan want to search the office of an accountant working for Berlusconi who is alleged to have rewarded showgirls, prostitutes and others hosted by the prime minister.

Some are claimed to have received payments, while others got free accommodation.

The accountant, Giuseppe Spinelli, claims his office forms part of Berlusconi’s parliamentary premises and is therefore covered by legislative immunity.

At the request of a deputy from the prime minister’s Freedom People movement, discussion of the prosecutors’ request was immediately postponed until Tuesday. (ANI)