MILAN, Italy, Jan. 14 (UPI) -- An appeal by Silvio Berlusconi argued the ex-Italian prime minister should have been shown leniency on a prostitution conviction, given his political stature.
The appeal, filed Jan. 2 but made public Tuesday, said Berlusconi should have been afforded leniency when he was found guilty of paying an underage prostitute for sex and lying to hide it, given the "extenuating circumstances" surrounding him because of his three terms as prime minister, his leadership of a political party and his age, ANSA reported.