If not now, when? is the title of Italian Primo Levi’s novel, a touching testimony that records the struggles of Jewish, Polish and Russian partisans who fought against the Nazi power during World War II. By committing themselves and often giving their lives, together with all the anti-fascist movements, these men and women contributed to the democratic future of continent. It is no exaggeration to say that, without the efforts of these thousands of people, our present would have been much bleaker. What came later is Europe’s history: at first an economic pact that now guarantees the respect for human rights, dignity and equality among all citizens.

After more than 60 years, these rights are still in danger in many countries of the world, and even within free, democratic, safe Europe. This is why on Sunday 13^th February more than a million people took to the streets of Italy to ask for a better future. The slogan that drew them so numerous was “If not now, when?”, their straightforward cry was “That’s enough!”. Enough with a mentality that has trampled upon women’s dignity for too long a time, enough with choices that have desecrated gender equality and have set new disturbing priorities. Finally, enough with politicians that promote this shameful decay.

According to Italian Education Minister, Mrs. Gelmini, you may think the demonstrators were only “a bunch of radical-chic”. No political flags or colours but a huge cross-party demonstration, from the “separatist” North to Sicily; a heterogeneous mass of students, teachers, managers, unemployed people, politicians, veiled women, all demanding the respect for dignity and honesty.

The spontaneous protest came as a peak after several months of disclosures on Silvio Berlusconi’s encounters with young, female, wannabe politicians, and particularly after the so-called Ruby gate. According to the witnesses, the Italian Prime Minister had sexual intercourses with different young women, one of them being underage, while public positions and relevant amounts of money and goods have been offered them as special payments. And it is now clear that the various evidence and disclosures are presenting a complex judicial, political and moral case.

It is a major judicial issue, proving that Berlusconi abused of his position as official in order to accelerate young Ruby’s release from the police headquarters – especially when Berlusconi claimed the girl was Hosni Mubarak’s niece.

It is a political issue, as these events are now exasperating the Italian long-lasting political stalemate. On his side, if incriminated, Berlusconi would probably face disqualification from public offices.

From the squares of Italy straight to court: on Tuesday, two days after the huge demonstrations that took place in the country, the examining judge has formally requested the “abbreviated procedure” for Silvio Berlusconi, having collected sufficient evidence to subject him to an immediate trial. Irony of fate? The fast-track trial against the Prime Minister will be presided over by three female judges.

With Gianluca Musillo