RSS 2.0 FeedJanuary vol 30 2011, Featured Articles, UK and Europe
Daily Mail; Italian PM's girls
One of the women named in a prostitution probe involving Silvio Berlusconi has admitted she had sex with the Italian premier.
Maria Esther Garcia Polanco told La Repubblica newspaper on Saturday that she had slept with the controversial politician out of gratitude after he paid the hospital bills of her daughter, five.
The 25-year-old aspiring model and showgirl said the billionaire, 74, was 'generous and kind'.
Aspiring model: Maria Esther Garcia Polanco when she was winner of Miss Roberta 2007. She has admitted having sex with Italian premier Silvio Berlusconi
She said that although she had attended several parties at Berlusconi's estate, they had never been orgies.
Prosecutors are investigating him over claims he had sex with under age prostitutes and extortion after he personally intervened in getting a 17-year-old guest of his released from custody after she was held for theft.
Fourteen women named in the sex probe involving Italian Prime Minister were kicked out after fellow residents said they 'lowered the tone' of the Olgettina estate, Milan. The women all lived rent-free in the complex after being given the apartments by Berlusconi, 74, and were regulars at his infamous ‘bunga bunga’ sex parties.
Gratitude: Miss Polanco said she never took money from Silvio Berlusconi
Kicked out: Marysthell Garcia, one of the girls named in a sex probe against Silvio Berlusconi, covers her face as she leaves the luxury Via Olgettina estate, Milan
The gates complex on the outskirts of Milan, Via Olgettina, is one of the most sought after estates in the city and according to prosecutors they lived there rent free in return for having sex with Berlusconi.
Under investigation: Mr Berlusconi, 74, is accused of funding sex parties
With its landscaped gardens, underground parking, supermarket, bars and other facilities it is one of the most modern estates in the city and also houses some of the billionaire's offices but in essence it was also the home of his harem.
Since details of the investigation broke last week, locals have dubbed the estate ‘The Dolls House’ and furious fellow residents on the local association have now ordered the girls to leave within eight days.
Each of the women has been sent a letter from the association asking them to leave because they ‘bring down the tone and decorum of the area’ and their behaviour is not in line with other residents.
Among those asked to leave are TV stars Barbara Guerra, 30, and Marysthell Garcia, 27, who have both been named in the 389 page prosecution document as guests who attended the sex parties.
Others include twins Imma and Eleonora De Vivo, who appeared on the Italian version of I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here and who were tapped in a telephone conversation talking about having sex with Berlusconi.
Three years ago it emerged that Barbara was one of several women who had spent the weekend with Berlusconi at a health farm and she is also a former girlfriend of Manchester City star Mario Balotelli.
Today Barbara said: ‘I've got the letter in my hand. It's absurd, incredible a nightmare. I've paid rent up until the end of April. It says I have 'disturbed the peace and quiet of the area.'
Lookers: Evicted girl Marysthell Garcia, with Silvio Berlusconi's political crony Nicole Minetti, Ance Spirga and Lavender Ogolla in a dance group on the Colorado Cafe TV show
‘I have not committed any crimes at that house (Berlusconi's) and I don't understand why I have to leave. I have always paid my bills and rent on time.’
Bubbly personality: Barbara Guerra, an Italian TV star, is said to have spent a weekend in a health spa with Silvio Berlusconi accompanied by a host of glamorous models and reality TV stars.
Marysthell said: ‘It's just not fair - where am I going to go ? I don't think this is legal. We have been victims as well - I had to take my name of the entry phone because people were buzzing and insulting me.
‘We've all had these letters from the residents association and we have all been given eight days to leave and if we don't then they will call the police. I've got my lawyer onto this immediately.’
The girls are said to have been put up in the flats with the help of Nicole Minetti, 25, an Anglo-Italian regional councillor with Berlusconi's People of Freedom party and a close friend of his.
Meanwhile in another development today/yesterday the Vatican spoke out for the first time on the scandal with Secretary of State Cardinal Tarcisio Bertone saying it was ‘concerned’ by the case.
Cardinal Bertone said the Holy See was following the case carefully
and stressed public figures had a responsibility in setting an
example for families and young people.
He said: ‘The Holy See is following with attention and concern these.
'Italian affairs that fuel an awareness of a great responsibility towards families and the new generations.’
Berlusconi denies any wrongdoing in the probe into alleged prostitution and abuse of power and says he is the victim of biased prosecutors who he says he will target with new laws so they cannot target him continuously.
Linked: Escort Nadia Macri (centre) is escorted by plainclothes police officers for questioning with prosecutors in central Miland today after she claimed Berlusconi paid to have sex with her
Scandal: Moroccan Ruby. 17, denies having any relationship with Silvio Berlusconi on a TV show in Italy earlier this week
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