Italian magistrates open urgent probe into pardon for former Berlusconi showgirl
Italian magistrates have opened an urgent probe into whether Nicole Minetti, a former ally of Silvio Berlusconi, provided false information to obtain a presidential pardon related to a 'bunga bunga' scandal conviction. The case has sparked political controversy, with President Sergio Mattarella urging a review after media reports questioned the legitimacy of humanitarian claims involving her adopted child. The Justice Ministry's handling of the pardon, which was granted in February but only recently made public, is under scrutiny for lack of verification. Opposition figures are calling for the justice minister's resignation over the matter.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Italian magistrates open urgent probe into pardon for former Berlusconi showgirlSign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inboxPublished Apr 28, 2026, 09:12 PMUpdated Apr 28, 2026, 09:18 PMListenROME, April 28 - Italian magistrates said on Tuesday they had opened urgent checks into whether Nicole Minetti, an ally of late Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi, lied to secure a presidential pardon for a conviction over a sex-party scandal.The case has embarrassed both President Sergio Mattarella and the Justice Ministry, raising questions over how far authorities checked the humanitarian claims behind the clemency award, which was initially kept secret.Minetti has denied falsifying her application, but Mattarella has taken the highly unusual step of publicly urging the ministry to…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Straits Times — World.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Straits Times — World
