 "Berlusconi slams sex trial verdict, insists innocent")
Former prime minister Silvio Berlusconi hit out at his conviction by a Milan court today for paying for sex with an underage prostitute and abuse of office, insisting he was "utterly innocent" and accusing the judges of persecution.
"I was truly convinced I would be absolved because there was absolutely no possibility of being found guilty based on the evidence," he said, after he was sentenced to seven years in jail and banned for life from holding public office.
"I intend to resist the persecution because I am absolutely innocent and I don't want to abandon my fight to make Italy a truly free and just country," he said.
"I was truly convinced I would be absolved because there was absolutely no possibility of being found guilty based on the evidence," he said, after he was sentenced to seven years in jail and banned for life from holding public office.
"I intend to resist the persecution because I am absolutely innocent and I don't want to abandon my fight to make Italy a truly free and just country," he said.
You’ve reached your limit of {{free_limit}} free articles this month.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%