Anti-Berlusconi protest held in Italy

Demonstrators stand in front of police during a protest against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi in Arcore, near Milan

Source: Press TV
http://www.presstv.ir/detail/164039.html

Hundreds of protesters have held a rally against Italian Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, calling for the scandal-hit premier to step down.

The protesters, some wearing masks of Berlusconi, chanted "Resign, resign!" at the gates of his private villa in the Milan suburb of Arcore, where he was spending the weekend, the Associated Press reported on Sunday.

A small group of opponents clashed with police after they broke away from the main demonstration, and attempted to wade into a security cordon near Berlusconi's villa.

The demonstrators hurled bottles and other objects at a police line blocking them.

Some reports say that two protesters were arrested and several protesters and policemen were injured.

On Saturday, another rally was staged in a Milan sports stadium by thousands, including prominent Italian writers and intellectuals, urging their country's leader to resign.

Berlusconi has long been buffeted by allegations of corruption and sexual scandals related to his private life, including reports of wild parties at his villa and alleged encounters with prostitutes.

The 74-year-old premier is under investigation for his alleged paying for sex with a 17-year-old Moroccan dancer Karima El Mahrough last year at his Milan villa, which has become the focal point of investigation by Italian prosecutors.

The Italian politician is expected to suffer more setbacks this week as Milan prosecutors prepare to submit a request to a judge for a fast-track trial of the premier.

The judge will then have five days to decide, although the deadline could be extended by a few days.