Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, foreground, sits in front of Norther League party's leader Roberto Maroni in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Silvio Berlusconi says Benito Mussolini did much good, except for dictator's regime's anti-Jewish laws. Berlusconi also defended Mussolini for siding with Hitler, saying the late fascist leader likely reasoned that German power would expand so it would be better for Italy to ally itself with Germany. He was speaking to reporters Sunday on the sidelines of a ceremony in Milan to commemorate the Holocaust. When Germany's Nazi regime occupied Italy during World War II, thousands from the tiny Italian Jewish community were deported to death camps. In 1938, before the war's outbreak, Mussolini's regime passed anti-Jewish laws, barring them from universities and many professions, among other bans. Berlusconi called the laws Mussolini's "worst fault" but insisted that in many other things, "he did good." (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
Probe sought over Berlusconi's praise of Mussolini
Former Italian Premier Silvio Berlusconi, foreground, sits in front of Norther League party's leader Roberto Maroni in Milan, Italy, Sunday, Jan. 27, 2013. Silvio Berlusconi says Benito Mussolini did much good, except for dictator's regime's anti-Jewish laws. Berlusconi also defended Mussolini for siding with Hitler, saying the late fascist leader likely reasoned that German power would expand so it would be better for Italy to ally itself with Germany. He was speaking to reporters Sunday on the sidelines of a ceremony in Milan to commemorate the Holocaust. When Germany's Nazi regime occupied Italy during World War II, thousands from the tiny Italian Jewish community were deported to death camps. In 1938, before the war's outbreak, Mussolini's regime passed anti-Jewish laws, barring them from universities and many professions, among other bans. Berlusconi called the laws Mussolini's "worst fault" but insisted that in many other things, "he did good." (AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)
AP /
January 28, 2013
Text Size:
- –
- +
ROME (AP) — An Italian political candidate has asked prosecutors to investigate former Premier Silvio Berlusconi for allegedly defending fascism after the media mogul praised Benito Mussolini for doing ‘‘good’’ despite the dictator’s anti-Jewish laws.
Gianfranco Mascia, who has led an anti-Berlusconi movement for decades, says he filed the complaint Monday with Rome courthouse officials, citing a 1952 law that forbids actions defending fascism.
Berlusconi sparked outrage at a Milan ceremony Sunday to commemorate the Holocaust by saying Mussolini had accomplished good in many aspects of his Fascist dictatorship. Berlusconi also defended Italy’s alliance with Hitler’s Germany, though he later stressed he condemns dictatorships.
Berlusconi was forced to resign in 2011 by Italy’s debt crisis. He is aiming for a comeback in next month’s national elections. Mascia is running in a regional race.
© Copyright 2013 Globe Newspaper Company.
