Dell'Utri said there was 'nothing new' in the court ruling
A Sicilian appeals court ruling has said during Italy’s PM Silvio Berlusconi’s years as a businessman –his close confidant–Marcello Dell’Utri, acted as the Italian leader’s “liaison” with the Sicilian Mafia
BBC reports
In June, the court upheld a conviction for mafia links against Marcello Dell’Utri, a senator for Mr Berlusconi’s People of Freedom Party.
The judges explained on Friday the reasons for Dell’Utri’s conviction.
Both men have previously denied any accusations of links with the Mafia.
According to the court’s 600-page document, Dell’Utri “carried out… an activity of mediation as a link between the mafia association Cosa Nostra, represented by its most influential representative at the time, Stefano Bontate, and Silvio Berlusconi”.
Mafia bosses in turn offered “protection” for Berlusconi, it added.
Dell’Utri “consciously chose to mediate between the interests of the mafia and the business interests of Berlusconi, allowing the criminal group to profit, promoting the consolidation and strengthening of Cosa Nostra”. To read More Click here: BBC News – Berlusconi ally ‘was link to Mafia’
