An Italian women's rights group has asked the court overseeing Silvio Berlusconi's sex trial for the right to seek compensation from the prime minister, claiming that he has offended the dignity of all Italian women.

Mr. Berlusconi's trial for abuse of office and paying for an under age prostitute is due to start on Wednesday. Arcidonna, the women's group, alleges that by hosting his infamous “bunga bunga” parties in which starlets allegedly wore kinky nurse and Father Christmas outfits and performed pole dances and strip teases, the prime minister reduced women to sexual objects.
It has asked to be admitted as a civil plaintiff in the case and could be entitled to claim compensation from the prime minister if he is found guilty. Mr Berlusconi has denied all charges.
“The exploitation of their bodies is a violation of the rights not only of individual women but of all women,” said Valeria Ajovalasit, the president of Arcidonna. “If the court decides to grant our request, it would be a historic decision.”
(Source: The Daily Telegraph)
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