World · Europe · 6 hrs ago
Prosecutors seek 3½-year sentence for Giovanna Rigato in Berlusconi case
Prosecutors in Monza seek 3½ years in prison for Giovanna Rigato, a former contestant on Italy’s Big Brother, over an alleged attempt to extort Silvio Berlusconi.
The case concerns a demand for up to €1 million, which prosecutors say Rigato made while threatening to give damaging information to magistrates if Berlusconi refused.
The alleged information concerned dinners held at Berlusconi’s home in Arcore, near Milan, and related legal investigations.
Rigato’s defence denies she intended to extort him, saying she felt she had suffered personal and professional harm from being linked to those investigations and sought financial compensation.
Her lawyers asked the court to acquit her or treat the case as a different offence.
Berlusconi’s five children have joined the case as civil parties, continuing legal action begun by their father.
The hearing resumes on 18 November, when the parties are due to make final replies and the court is expected to issue its decision.
Lodged in 2021, the case remains unresolved.
Because the proceedings are ongoing, the accusation has not been decided by the court.
Prosecutors in Monza have asked for Giovanna Rigato to be sentenced to three years and six months in prison for attempted extortion against Silvio Berlusconi.
The prosecution alleges Rigato sought up to €1 million and threatened to give damaging information to magistrates if she was not paid.
Rigato’s defence denies that she intended to extort money and has asked for her acquittal.
Her lawyers say she sought compensation because she believed media coverage of the Arcore investigations had harmed her personally and professionally.
The court is due to reconvene on 18 November for final submissions, and a verdict is expected that day.
- Who
- Giovanna Rigato, a former Big Brother contestant, is accused of attempted extortion against Silvio Berlusconi.
- What
- Prosecutors seek a prison sentence of three years and six months. Rigato’s defence has asked for her acquittal.
- When
- The request was reported on 13 October 2026. The court is due to reconvene on 18 November.
- Where
- The case is being heard at the Tribunal of Monza, Italy.
- Why
- Prosecutors allege Rigato sought money while threatening to disclose damaging information. Her defence says she believed she had suffered personal and professional harm and sought compensation.
Prosecution
Rigato’s defence
Alleged conduct
Prosecution
Prosecutors say Rigato sought up to €1 million and threatened to give damaging information to magistrates if she was not paid.
Rigato’s defence
The defence says she had no extortionate intent and believed she was seeking compensation for harm she had suffered.
Requested outcome
Prosecution
The prosecutor seeks a sentence of three years and six months in prison.
Rigato’s defence
The defence seeks acquittal or, alternatively, reclassification of the charge as the arbitrary exercise of one’s rights.
Rigato was committed for trial, according to ANSA.
The prosecution requested a sentence of three years and six months, and the defence sought acquittal.
The court is due to hear final submissions, with a verdict expected that day.
- Proposed prison sentence
- 3 years and 6 months
- Fine sought
- €1,300, reported by Corriere Milano
- Amount allegedly sought
- Up to €1 million
- Court
- Tribunal of Monza
- Next hearing
- 18 November
What people are saying
Non è emersa la prova di quale male ingiusto Rigato avrebbe prospettato, ma solo la prova di una ‘volontà’ di andare ai giornali e ai magistrati, ma non è stata una minaccia
Direi che è stato più un tentativo goffo di ottenere una cosa che riteneva di poter chiedere, dati i rapporti che c’erano con il presidente Berlusconi
Sources
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