Italy: Women rally against 'disgraceful' Berlusconi

Hundreds of thousands of women rallied in Rome and other cities yesterday, incensed by prime minister Silvio Berlusconi's sex scandal, which they say has disgraced Italy.

"Women are offended. The image of our country that Berlusconi is presenting to the world is just unbearable," said Roberta Nicchiarelli, 52, attending a rally in Rome.

The protests - in more than 200 towns in Italy and even some cities abroad - reflect growing anger among women at the prostitution scandal that has engulfed the premier, who has long counted conservative women among his key voters.

"I voted for him in the past, but I am really disappointed. I hope things will change," said former Berlusconi voter Pina.

Prosecutors filed a request last week to bring Mr Berlusconi to trial, accusing him of paying for sex with a dancer when she was under 18, which is illegal in Italy.

The 74-year-old politician has dismissed the accusations as "disgusting and disgraceful".

Leaked wiretap recordings from the investigation have been splashed over newspapers for weeks, with references to bundles of cash, and talk of sex games and the gifts would-be starlets received after attending parties at Mr Berlusconi's villa.

"I love my boyfriend for free," read one banner in Rome, where crowds of women of all ages packed into a central square flanked by husbands, brothers and male friends.

"It's a scandal. I do not believe in his values, his behaviour and the way he treats women," said Paolo Campedel, attending a rally in Padua in northern Italy.

Campaigners say culture is being promoted in which women see selling their good looks as the only route to success in a country where a third of young people are unemployed.