A supporter stands by a sign that reads '100 trials, 0 convictions = Persecution'
天美传媒鈥檚 embattled prime minister may be facing four separate trials while holding the lowest approval rating in years, but that doesn鈥檛 mean that Silvio Berlusconi has lost all of his supporters.
Crowds began gathering early yesterday in anticipation of the premier鈥檚 arrival. The rowdy mass was divided into two distinct groups: supports and critics.
Berlusconi鈥檚 supporters claim they will remain outside the courthouse because they want to help show their solidarity with 鈥榯he great premier鈥. They held signs with messages such as 鈥淪ilivo: We are with you鈥.
On the other side, detractors picketed with banners calling for the head of state鈥檚 resignation and demanding accountability.
Berlusconi recently vowed to devote Mondays to his four hearings, in order to appear in court and 鈥渆xplain things to the Italian people鈥. That means supporters and detractors will have a weekly opportunity to clash outside the Milan courthouse.
