Italy’s highest court has overturned a law granting Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi immunity from prosecution while in office.
Obviously we can’t get into Italian law, but what of the principle?
Is there a danger that if a leader can be prosecuted, the law could become political, and court cases may undermine the functioning of government?
Or is it right that everyone, including the person at the top, should face the law?
“There are a lot of pretty girls about. I’m no saint, but you know that”
Days after tapes emerged of Silvio Berlusconi allegedly telling an escort girl to “wait by the big bed”, he has finally broken his silence.
Continue reading ‘Does the character of a politician matter as long as he gets the job done?’
You can’t miss them in Milan – the Africans, Asians and North Africans huddled on street corners, sheets laid out with fake designer handbags or toys on the ground in front of them. They’re constantly on the lookout for the police, ready to run should they catch sight of one. No wonder – since earlier this month being an illegal immigrant in Italy is a crime punishable with a fine of up to $13,000.
Continue reading ‘What’s the best way to approach illegal immigration?’
Have a read of this tragic story.
An Italian woman, who arrived too late to board the ill-fated Air France flight 447, has since died in a car crash.
It’s the fastest trending story on Twitter ATOW with many people saying “when your time’s up, your time is up”.
Another says “makes you wonder about destiny”.
The Italian government wants to put 2,500 soldiers into the streets to help in the fight against crime.
Is this the right way to tackle crime?
One left-wing Italian politician’s reaction was:
“We are not in Colombia where these forces are used to fight terrorism and armed insurrection.”
Do you agree with him or rather with Milan’s right-wing mayor who called the measure an “important warning signal”?
Hello, It’s Priya with a few ideas for what we might do today… any comments or suggestions are welcome. Thanks Abdul in Oregon for moderating this page overnight.
First, there is something of theme developing surrounding the protection of children.
Good morning, yesterday we wondered “Who leads Africa?” So step forward Zambian President Levy Mwanawasa, who’s called a meeting of southern African leaders on the Zimbabwean presidential poll delay. Another challenger is new ANC leader Jacob Zuma, who’s criticism of the delay in announcing the election results contrasts with position of South African President Thabo Mbeki.
And as the list of leaders who say they won’t be attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics grows longer, what does China have to do to get the Games back on track? How can it staunch the avalanche of criticism? And what should the IOC do?
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