Milan, 13 Oct. (LaPresse) – The Monza Public Prosecutor’s Office has sought a sentence of 3 years and 6 months for Giovanna Rigato, a former Big Brother contestant, who is accused of attempted extortion against Silvio Berlusconi. According to the prosecution, Rigato allegedly demanded up to 1 million euros, claiming she had suffered psychological harm and damage to her reputation as a result of her involvement in the judicial investigations into the ‘Olgettine’ affair. “We were expecting a lower sentence given the context we have outlined,” says her lawyer, Stefano Gerunda. “Rigato was subjected to a media storm, first as a witness and then as a suspect.” The defence has requested an acquittal or, “in the alternative, a ruling that the prosecution has arbitrarily pursued its case, with a declaration that the offence is time-barred”. Rigato has suffered “psychological and financial consequences, not least because her contract with Mediaset was not renewed and she found herself on her own, with a dependent child”, he adds, emphasising that “she has, in effect, lost her professional credibility”. According to the defence, “no evidence has emerged of any unjust harm that Rigato might have threatened to cause; rather, there is only evidence of an ‘intention’ to go to the press or the magistrates, but this did not constitute a threat”. “I would say it was more of a clumsy attempt to secure something she believed she was entitled to ask for, given the relationship she had with President Berlusconi.” The verdict is expected on 18 November.
Monza: 3 years and 6 months sought for Giovanna Rigato for attempted extortion of Berlusconi
Milan, 13 Oct. (LaPresse) – The Monza Public Prosecutor’s Office has sought a sentence of 3 years and 6 months for Giovanna Rigato, a former Big Brother contestant, who is accused of attempted extortion against Silvio Berlusconi. According to the prosecution, Rigato allegedly demanded up to 1 million euros, claiming she had suffered psychological harm and damage to her reputation as a result of her involvement in the judicial investigations into the ‘Olgettine’ affair. “We were expecting a lower sentence given the context we have outlined,” says her lawyer, Stefano Gerunda. “Rigato was subjected to a media storm, first as a witness and then as a suspect.” The defence has requested an acquittal or, “in the alternative, a ruling that the prosecution has arbitrarily pursued its case, with a declaration that the offence is time-barred”. Rigato has suffered “psychological and financial consequences, not least because her contract with Mediaset was not renewed and she found herself on her own, with a dependent child”, he adds, emphasising that “she has, in effect, lost her professional credibility”. According to the defence, “no evidence has emerged of any unjust harm that Rigato might have threatened to cause; rather, there is only evidence of an ‘intention’ to go to the press or the magistrates, but this did not constitute a threat”. “I would say it was more of a clumsy attempt to secure something she believed she was entitled to ask for, given the relationship she had with President Berlusconi.” The verdict is expected on 18 November.