In the aftermath of the “Rubygate” affair, where Silvio Berlusconi has been sentenced to four years in prison and faces a five-year ban from holding public office, the former Italian Prime Minister is steadfast in his refusal to seek special measures to avoid incarceration. Speaking to the daily Libero on Sunday, as reported by huffingtonpost.fr, the president of AC Milan made it clear that he has no intention of resorting to community service even if his sentences are upheld.
Berlusconi stated, “I will not go into exile. I will not agree to do community service, like a criminal who needs to be re-educated.” Despite approaching his eighties, he also rejects the option of house arrest, saying, “I am almost 78 years old, and I would have the right to house arrest, but if they find me guilty, if they take this responsibility, I want to go to prison.”
In the days leading up to his conviction, the central figure in the scandal, Ruby, denied any intimate involvement with the former prime minister. She refuted claims of receiving 5 million euros, asserting that it was mere boasting. Ruby stated, “I was never a prostitute… I said a lot of stupid things over the phone to brag. I never witnessed any physical contact between the guests and the Cavaliere,” though her testimony failed to convince the judges.
