Berlusconi and the last race

Wednesday, 7 August 2013. An Italian newspaper reveals details of Silvio Berlusconi last attempt to escape from imprisonment.

Silvio Berlusconi, almost ready for the tour

After the Giro d'Italia (the Italian version of the French cycling race Tour de France, which took place in May 2013), according to right-wing newspaper Libero, Italy is going to witness another country-wide event, the Giro della Libertà (i.e. Tour of Freedom in English), a race meant to keep Silvio Berlusconi away from prison (if he's fast enough), after his conviction to a four-year prison term for tax fraud.

What are the details of the tour? The Knight was quotes saying «Until 15 August [Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary], I'll stay put,» to his inner circle he met at his residence in Rome Palazzo Grazioli, «but then I'll make a bang.», before moving on to his villa in Arcore. The objective of all this fuss? Obtain the presidential pardon from head of state Giorgio Napolitano (we assume).

Berlusconi tearful pledge of innocence in front of thousand of supporters

Sunday, 4 August 2013. Thousands of Berlusconi's supporters travel – free of charge – to Rome to listen to Forza Italia's founder pledge of innocence and refusal to be called (and treated as a) fraudster.

Silvio Berlusconi and girlfriend Francesca Pascale, moved and tested

Who thought that Silvio Berlusconi's first definitive conviction would mean get rid of the billionaire and calm down Italy, should think again, as the former prime minister gathered thousands of supporter in a meeting in Rome and Italian politics seems bound to plunge into turmoil.

Berlusconi prison sentence upheld by court (but Silvio's army misunderstood the verdict)

Thursday, 1 August 2013. As millions were holding their breath Supreme Court rejected Silvio Berlusconi's last appeal and sentenced him to a four-year jail term. Live.

Italian and European flag in the background, a special edition of Mediaset's Rete4 newsservice
about its boss, Silvio Berlusconi

Almost everybody in Italy was waiting for the dramatic ending of one of Silvio Berlusconi's trial, a tax fraud case involving the billionaire's mass media company Mediaset.

The Cassation's (or Supreme) Court was in charge of ruling the appeal, the last one, which was rejected.

The sentence, read out loud by the president of the Supreme Court, upheld the prison term (four years), but quashed the ban on Mr Berlusconi to hold public office (actually the court just passed the buck to a Milan's appeal court).