Berlusconi Party Photos Blocked From Publication

According to Reuter's story, published in today's Washpost, Italy is in the middle of political scandal. PM Silvio Berlusconi has succeeded to blocking the publication of party photos "after reports said guests included a teenage girl whose relationship with him has caused a scandal."

"Judicial sources said the 72-year-old Berlusconi, who denies having an affair with 18-year-old Noemi Letizia, said publication of the images taken by a photojournalist without his permission would have violated his right to privacy. A prosecutor in Rome granted the injunction and ordered the seizure of hundreds of photos taken by Antonello Zappadu using a powerful lens from outside Berlusconi's villa on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia."

BBC, referring to some local newspapers, writes that the party photos "show young women in bikinis or topless."

"Prosecutors ordered the seizure of about 700 images in total, taken at the new year's party and other occasions. The pictures were taken from outside Mr Berlusconi's villa on the Mediterranean island of Sardinia by a Sardinian photographer, Antonello Zappadu, using a powerful lens."

Silvio Berlusconi's personal life has been under scrutiny since he was photographed attending Letizia's 18th birthday party in Naples in April, saying he knows Noemi Letizia's family. His wife Veronica Lario demanded a divorce because of his womanizing, accusing him of "frequenting minors" and saying he was "not well."

Italy, a popular travel destination for millions of visitors and tourists, is in such a big political scandal that it's prime minister Berlusconi has said he will personally address the parliament clearing his name. However, he has not yet set a date of when he will do that.