Berlusconi to face protests over immunity

Date: 26/06/03

By Martin Banks

ITALY has come under fire for alleged anti-constitutional practices and its animal-cruelty record as it prepares to take over the European Union's rotating presidency on 1 July.

Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is expected to be greeted by demonstrators when he outlines Italy's programme for its six-month stint at the EU's helm at next week's European Parliament plenary session in Strasbourg.

The controversial media tycoon and former MEP will come under attack following the recent decision by Italian legislators to pass an immunity law that will save him from prosecution for as long as he is prime minister.

The rushed-through law brought Berlusconi's trial in Milan on charges of corruption to an abrupt halt - he is accused of bribing judges in a 1980s corporate takeover battle before he entered politics.

Left-wing MEPs see the immunity as anti-constitutional and a blow to democracy.

One Italian deputy said Berlusconi's address to MEPs could be overshadowed by protests both in and outside the Parliament.

"Berlusconi can expect a hot reception next week. By making sure he does not stand trial, Berlusconi has not cleared his name," he said.

Italy will also come under attack next week by a report which claims the country is "at the centre"of a "cruel" trade in animal transportation.

The report, by UK-based group Compassion in World Farming and the European Coalition for Farm Animals, will be launched on 1 July to coincide with Italy assuming the EU presidency.

The report will accuse Rome of being at the centre of a trade of up to two million animals a year, which causes "tremendous suffering" to cattle, horses, pigs and sheep.

The Italian government led by Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi is being criticised for anti-constitutional practices and its poor animal cruelty record just before it takes over the EU Presidency on 1 July 2003.