Berlusconi's Ruby 'the heart stealer' to wed

Eighteen-year-old Ruby, real name Karima El Mahroug, told a local edition of the Repubblica daily that she is set to get hitched to fiance Luca Rizzo, a 41-year old manager of a disco, in a town hall wedding in three weeks time.

Once married, the disco-dancing daughter of immigrants living in Sicily hopes to finish her high-school studies in psychopedagogy in Genova and have a church wedding in June.
Milan judges have almost finished interviewing witnesses to back up allegations that the prime minister paid to have sex with the underage Ruby and a second minor, as well as hand-picking prostitutes for wild parties.

But in the interview, Ruby said she was by no means worried about the inquiry because she is only a witness, adding "I can't wait for the trial to begin."

When asked whether she thought Berlusconi would be put on trial or found guilty, Ruby replied: "I don't know, that's his problem."

The prime minister's main problem, according to Ruby, is loneliness which he attempts to stave off by buying affection. She said she could relate to the situation, because she often sends money to her father for the same reason.

"He is alone and fights loneliness, a bit like I do. I pay to get my father's affection, he pays for young women," she said.

Berlusconi, a notorious womaniser, has denied ever paying for sex, and both he and Ruby say they have never had sexual relations.

The media magnate is also under investigation for abuse of power after he told police in Milan to free Ruby after she had been picked up for an alleged theft in May.

Despite appearing to enjoy her new-found notoriety, giving lengthy paid television interviews and appearing as the star guest in discos across the country, the young woman said "if I could go back, I wouldn't do it again."