Berlusconi ‘weakened by latest sex scandal’

Berlusconi urged to resign
Italian prime minister 'weakened' over charges of sex with a minor.

ROME — Allegations that Prime Minister Silvio Berlusconi hooked up with prostitutes he kept in rent-free luxury apartments have weakened the government and damaged the country's image abroad, experts say.

Italian magistrates on Friday announced an enquiry into the relationship between Berlusconi and an underage girl, known as Ruby, as the prime minister was still reeling from a court ruling partially stripping him of political immunity.

While having sex with prostitutes is not a crime in Italy, having sex with a minor is illegal.